District details
In 2020, Schaardt competed against Slama for the seat, but he did not advance past the primary and only earned 18% of the vote.
Hallstrom is an attorney and lobbyist, according to his campaign website. He represents the National Federation of Independent Business, Nebraska Pharmacists Association and Nebraskans for Workers’ Compensation Equity and Fairness. He also works for the Nebraska Bankers Association.
Schaardt owns and operates Den’s Country Meats in Table Rock, according to his campaign website. He has also served as Table Rock’s mayor, a city council member and a Pawnee County commissioner. He is running for office to “keep Nebraska as the best place to work, raise a family, and do business.”
Hallstrom has endorsements from U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, Rep. Mike Flood and Attorney General Mike Hilgers. Schaardt has the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and the state teachers association. Slama did not endorse either candidate, saying both are great options.
On the issues
Neither candidate responded to Flatwater Free Press’ questionnaire. Hallstrom and Schaardt had identical answers in Nebraska Family Alliance’s voter guide questionnaire, which asked yes-or-no questions, including their support to legalize online sports betting. They oppose abortion and marijuana legalization, and support school choice and legislation restricting K-12 students’ sports participation and bathroom access to their gender assigned at birth.
Hallstrom’s campaign website says he wants to make Nebraska’s tax policy competitive with other states. He also supports parental rights and local control in education. He says he will be a supporter of ag and of law enforcement. He told Southwest Iowa’s KMA Radio that he would also bolster rural economic development by encouraging affordable housing and ensuring accessibility to affordable child care.
Schaardt’s website lists his priorities as “lowering the tax burden, reducing state spending, advocating for the unborn and defending ag producers.” He told KMA Radio that he would like to find a balance between ensuring school funding and providing tax relief. He also said economic development and mental health services are among his top concerns.
Location
The district covers Nebraska’s southeastern corner. It is home to Otoe, Nemaha, Johnson, Pawnee and Richardson counties.
In the primary
Schaardt received the most votes in the primary, earning 45%. Hallstrom won 34% and two other candidates received the remaining votes.
