Jim Pillen declares victory as Nebraska's governor

LINCOLN, Neb. -- In a close race Tuesday night, Republican Jim Pillen has defeated Democratic State Sen. Carol Blood to become the next governor of Nebraska.

Early on, Pillen declared victory as governor in Nebraska.

Pillen said that Nebraska is a great place to be during his acceptance speech that he gave around 9:35 p.m. claiming victory.

At the time of claiming victory Pillen was at 51.45% and Carol Blood was at 45.21%. 

"It's just way better than we could have every imagined," said Pillen.

Pillen declared victory in the Nebraska gubernatorial race and said, "Nebraska voters spoke with one voice tonight for less government, less mandates, less taxes, and in favor of commonsense, business leadership," said Pillen. "I want to thank the countless supporters across the state who made this victory possible tonight. Tomorrow, we begin again the work of making Nebraska the greatest place in the world to work and raise a family."

The state hasn't elected a democrat as governor since 1994, and Pillen was the clear favorite Tuesday after emerging from a contentious primary in the spring over the eight other candidates.

Pillen is hog farm owner and veterinarian from Columbus who also serves on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

He will replace Gov. Pete Ricketts, who couldn't run for reelection because of term limits.

The primary highlighted divisions in the Republican party between activists who support former President Donald Trump and want to take the party further to the right and more moderate members who backed Pillen.