District details
The Nebraska GOP, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and the Nebraska Farm Bureau endorsed Fujan, while U.S. Rep Mike Flood endorsed Storm, according to the Columbus Telegram. Storm listed on his campaign website that he previously volunteered for Flood’s campaign.
Both Storm and Fujan have careers in agriculture. Fujan grew up in a farm family and now operates a fourth-generation farm. After high school, he worked as a jet mechanic in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the Saunders County Farm Bureau board and he was elected to the American Soybean Association board. On his campaign website, he said he is running to make smart decisions for Nebraska.
Storm is an agricultural aviator and owns Storm Aeronautics, which manufactures parts and performs maintenance on planes used for crop dusting. Before his agricultural aviation career began in 1997, Storm taught middle school. He is running for office to be a voice for conservative values and to ensure Nebraska is a good place to live, work, raise a family and retire, according to his campaign website.
One of the two Republicans will replace Sen. Bruce Bostelman.
In this competitive race, Storm holds a slight fundraising advantage. He has received $65,614 in cash contributions. His campaign had $4,717 on hand as of June. Fujan has received $48,210 in cash contributions, and he had a balance of $1,903 as of June.
On the issues
Neither candidate completed Flatwater Free Press’ questionnaire. The candidates both told Omaha’s KETV that they will prioritize lowering property taxes by tackling state spending.
Fujan supports parental rights, local control of Nebraska schools and school choice. Additionally, Fujan lists protecting veterans’ benefits among his top issues. He also would ensure people whose sex at birth was male do not participate in women’s sports, according to the Nebraska Family Alliance’s voter guide.
Storm detailed his position in what he calls “The Storm Plan.” He does not believe schools should teach about critical race theory, gender identity and sexual orientation. Like Fujan, he would support legislation that only allows people to use a restroom or play on a gender-specific sports team if the designation matched their sex at birth.
Fujan and Storm had identical responses in the Nebraska Family Alliance’s questionnaire, which asks yes-or-no questions. Both oppose any expansion in abortion access and both support school choice.
Location
The district covers all of Colfax and Saunders counties and a large chunk of Butler County.
In the primary
Six candidates ran for the seat. Storm and Fujan finished first and second, winning 35% and 25% respectively.
