District details

Ballard has endorsements from the Nebraska Farm Bureau and a host of Republican officials, including Lancaster County Attorney Patrick Condon, Hilgers and Gov. Jim Pillen, who appointed Ballard to the seat. Derner has endorsements from the state teachers union and the Nebraska AFL-CIO.

Derner grew up on a ranch in Wheeler County and founded Vivayic, a Lincoln-based consulting firm. He’s a volunteer for the Nebraska Future Farmers of America Association and Nebraska Farm Bureau member, according to his campaign website. He wants to ensure every family has the same opportunity to succeed that he did.

Ballard owns a political consulting firm, BJB Strategies, and he co-owns the Rabbit Hole Bakery in Lincoln. Prior to his appointment to the office, he served as a legislative aide. Ballard, 30, said he wants to attract and retain young people and ensure the state is a good place to live, work and raise a family, according to his website. 

On the issues

Neither candidate responded to the Flatwater Free Press questionnaire. Both Ballard and Derner told Lincoln’s 10/11 News Now that lowering property taxes was a top priority. Ballard would like to work with political subdivisions to reduce spending and invest more state money in education to reduce reliance on property taxes. Derner said he’d like to grow the tax base to ease the need for property tax revenue. He also would like to pass legislation to attract more people and businesses to the state.   

Ballard told the Lincoln TV station that the state can grow its workforce by continuing to invest in affordable child care and cutting “bureaucratic red tape.” Additionally, Ballard would like to invest in infrastructure — including the East Beltway in Lincoln and a second source of water for that city.  He also prioritized rural access to broadband internet. 

Derner said he would prioritize supporting local businesses and, in doing such, provide more opportunities for residents. He said he also wants to keep public dollars in public schools, a sentiment shared by school choice opponents. He also mentioned prioritizing rural broadband access and meeting future water supply needs in the district.  

On their websites, neither candidate mentioned abortion, school choice or policies regarding transgender youth. Ballard voted for the state’s school choice legislation and its current 12-week abortion ban and ban on gender-affirming surgery for those younger than 19. Derner, when asked by 10/11 News Now, didn’t stake a position on abortion or gender-affirming care.

Location

The district covers the northwest corner of Lincoln and northern Lancaster County, including Malcolm, Waverly, Davey and Raymond.

In the primary

Ballard received 54% of votes compared to Derner’s 30%. A third democratic candidate received the remaining portion.