1998 Nebraska gubernatorial election

Nebraska gubernatorial election, 1998

November 3, 1998

Nominee Mike Johanns Bill Hoppner Party Republican Democratic Running mate David I. Maurstad Pam Bataillon Popular vote 293,910 250,678 Percentage 53.90% 45.98%

Governor before election Ben Nelson Democratic Elected Governor Mike Johanns Republican

Facing term limits, incumbent Governor Ben Nelson, a Democrat was prevented from seeking a third term in office. Republican nominee and Mayor of Lincoln Mike Johanns edged out attorney Bill Hoppner, an advisor to James Exon and Bob Kerrey, by an eight-point margin of victory.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Bill Hoppner, attorney, Chief of Staff to previous governors and senators James Exon and Bob Kerrey; gubernatorial candidate in 1990
• James D. McFarland
• Robb Nimic, perennial candidate
• Luis R. Calvillo

Results

Democratic primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Bill Hoppner	72,887	65.39
	Democratic	James D. McFarland	33,890	30.41
	Democratic	Robb Nimic	1,621	1.45
	Democratic	Write-ins	1,606	1.44
	Democratic	Luis R. Calvillo	1,455	1.31
Total votes			111,459	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• Mike Johanns, Mayor of Lincoln
• John Breslow, State Auditor of Nebraska
• Jon Christensen, U.S. Congressman
• Barry Richards, perennial candidate
• Lavern Bartels

Results

Republican primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Mike Johanns	88,173	40.02
	Republican	John Breslow	65,806	29.87
	Republican	Jon Christensen	62,107	28.19
	Republican	Barry Richards	2,036	0.92
	Republican	Lavern Bartels	1,908	0.87
	Republican	Write-ins	285	0.13
Total votes			220,315	100.00

General election

Results

Nebraska gubernatorial election, 1998

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Mike Johanns	293,910	53.90%	+28.33%
	Democratic	Bill Hoppner	250,678	45.98%	-27.06%
	Write-ins		650	0.12%
Majority			43,232	7.93%	-39.53%
Turnout			545,238
	Republican gain from Democratic		Swing