District details

Hardin, a Republican, has held the seat since being elected in 2022. He is on the Banking, Commerce and Insurance, Health and Human Services, Nebraska Retirement Systems and Legislative Oversight committees. He is a member of both the NRA and the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, according to his campaign website.

Landers, also a Republican, is an attorney. She previously worked in law enforcement and ran for Scotts Bluff County commissioner in 2022, according to her website.

On the issues

Hardin said his top priority if re-elected would be affordability, as Nebraska needs sweeping tax policy changes and to grow its agricultural economy to offset the rising costs of property taxes and insurance. Landers did not respond to Flatwater Free Press’ questionnaire. According to the Nebraska Examiner’s voter guide, she would prioritize ending wasteful spending, specifically within the Department of Health and Human Services, and making tax dollars available to the district.

On property taxes, Hardin told the Flatwater Free Press that he is in favor of broad-based sales tax increases and a reduction in property, income and corporate taxes rather than simply shifting from relying on property to sales taxes.

Landers told the Nebraska Examiner that voter-approved ballot measures should stand as written, and, if elected, she would uphold the voice of the people. Hardin told the Flatwater Free Press that he disagrees that recent voter-approved ballot measures were altered significantly. He said all bills that become law undergo amendments, harmonization with current statutes and regulatory additions to make them workable.