Lela McNinch

Lela McNinch (Republican Party) ran for election for Governor of Nebraska. She lost in the Republican primary on May 10, 2022.

McNinch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Lela McNinch served in the U.S. Army. She earned an associate degree from York College in 1987, a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska, Kearney, in 1992, and a degree from Tel Aviv University in 2010. Her career experience includes working as an adjunct professor and for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, the Nebraska Department of Education, the School Security Services, and the University of Nebraska. McNinch has been affiliated with the Nebraska Infrastructure Protection Committee, the Great Plains Chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals, the United States Attorney’s Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council, and the Nebraska Suicide Prevention Coalition.^[1]

Elections

2022

General election

General election for Governor of Nebraska

Jim Pillen defeated Carol Blood, Scott Zimmerman, Robert Borer, and Dave Wright in the general election for Governor of Nebraska on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jim Pillen (R)	59.2	398,334
		Carol Blood (D)	36.0	242,006
		Scott Zimmerman (L)	3.9	26,455
		Robert Borer (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	0
	Submit photo	Dave Wright (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	0
		Other/Write-in votes	0.9	5,798

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 672,593
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Nebraska

Carol Blood defeated Roy Harris in the Democratic primary for Governor of Nebraska on May 10, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Carol Blood	88.7	88,859
	Submit photo	Roy Harris	11.3	11,267

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 100,126
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Nebraska

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Nebraska on May 10, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jim Pillen	33.9	91,555
		Charles Herbster	29.9	80,771
		Brett Lindstrom	26.1	70,554
		Theresa Thibodeau	6.1	16,432
		Breland Ridenour	1.7	4,685
		Michael Connely	1.1	2,838
	Submit photo	Donna Nicole Carpenter	0.6	1,536
		Lela McNinch	0.4	1,192
	Submit photo	Troy Wentz	0.3	708

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 270,271
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian primary election

Libertarian primary for Governor of Nebraska

Scott Zimmerman advanced from the Libertarian primary for Governor of Nebraska on May 10, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott Zimmerman	100.0	1,595

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,595
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

Lela McNinch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McNinch's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born in the sandhills of Custer County, NE, to Jack and Clara (Clang) Connely, I am a lifelong Nebraskan and Moderate Conservative who has served Nebraskans behind the scenes for over 28 years. At an early age I moved to York, NE with my family where I lived and worked for 42 years before moving to Grand Island and eventually to Lincoln, where I reside with my husband Jerry.

Raised in a strong Christian family, and later a graduate of York College, a private Christian College helped set the foundation of my life, beliefs, and service to society. I receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the UNK, Advanced Homeland Security Certification from Tel Aviv University, Israel, and Emergency Management Certifications from FEMA, NEMA and LETRA. Began substitute teaching before landing a full-time job at the Nebraska Department of Correctional, working at NCCW, LCC, Airpark Treatment Center and NSP. for 12 years. Then to Nebraska Emergency Management, Nebraska Department of Education, School Security Services and now Adjunct Professor for UNO. Together my husband Jerry and I have five children and seven grandchildren making a total of seven generations of Nebraskans in my family.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Mental Health/Depression/Suicide. Nebraska is above the nation average for the completion of suicide. For our children it is the second leading cause of death in the state.People filled with such despair and anguish and only wanting relief from that pain but stigmatized by the fear of “mental illness” labels, that they will not reach out for help. Every person I know have felt the effects of suicide. It is something we can prevent. We must help one another.
Creating an inclusive Nebraska which embraces diversity for the growth and betterment of the State. If we truly want to encourage individuals and families to help grow our state, we must be open minded and accepting of all others who want to be part of the community we have here in Nebraska. Accepting and embracing diversity in race, religion, culture, gender or identity, age, language and capabilities are essential to our state's success.
Taxes are killing all of us. It is past due to correct the problem. Creating a flat tax levels the playing field for all Nebraskans. Individuals and business will pay equally a tax percentage of what they purchase. There will be no exceptions for any individual, group of people, business type or service of the state. If you make a purchase, you pay the tax. The goal is to eliminate property taxes.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Government overreach in the attempt to mandate vaccines against the free will of the people.

Recognizing the Rule of Law in the State and Nation to ensure the safety of all citizens. Enforce the laws on the books.

Education proposals and standards to meet accreditation requirements must have representation by both parties in Nebraska. New education proposals must have checks and balance approval before passed.

Legalizing medical marijuana. The use of THC products works to combat illness and alleviate or eliminate pain or side effects associated with cancer and cancer treatments or permanent medical disabilities such as RNA, Epilepsy, seizures, and Parkinson’s disease.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Diana, Princess of Wales is the person I look up to and whose example I will continue to follow. She was swept up into the spotlight of royalty but never lost sight of who she was. She remained kind and humble. Her love and care of all humanity remained unwavering through her fame and her fall from grace. Even when she divorced, the Royal Family ostracizing her, and royal titles removed, she continued to serve and care for others. Her true nature of humility and kindness were something that could never be taken from her. That speaks volumes of Her true character, grace, and kindness. Regardless of position, wealth, or title I earn, I strive to remain humble in all I say and do, to serve those around me and show kindness and acceptance to others.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

A film “The Social Dilemma” a documentary by Netflix and the book “Stop Teaching our Kids to Kill” By Dave Grossman and Gloria Degaetano are both resources everyone should watch and read. I believe it will help provide a clear understanding of my approach to leading the State.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials must have common sense, honesty, transparency, inclusiveness, kindness, strength, confidence and remain humble. The safety and care of people should always be the priority. An elected official must consider the wishes of the constituents and be open to and acceptant of opinions other than their own. A great governor or any elected official must truly listen to what people are saying.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

The qualities I possess that will make me a successful officer holder are that I am a positive person who strives to see the best in all people. My optimism serves to motivate and encourage people, even in the worst situations. I'm someone that people can relate to, which makes me approachable if any Nebraskan wants to discuss any issues. I am kind, smart, fierce and bold, which allows me not to be intimidated or easily influenced by others regardless of position. I'm not afraid to make the tough decisions for the good of the State and use critical thinking to make the decision, but also to be transparent to my constituents in why I made the decision. I have the integrity to do the right thing even when no one is looking.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of the Governor is to keep its citizens safe, whether it is responding to natural disasters, health emergencies or manufactured crisis. Safety includes being able to keep more money in people's pockets for our basic human necessities. A Governor must always be bold enough to stand firm against the overreach of the federal government to our State.

Developing a budget together with the representative of the people and sticking to that budget with an unobstructed vision of long-term goals and needs for the State.

Oversight of each State agency to ensure accountability to the citizens and to ensure spending is thrifty and not wasteful.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I would like to leave is to be the leader who truly broke down barriers and united the people. To be the leader who successfully revealed to society that we all are striving to achieve the same things. Safety for ourselves and families, enough food to eat, somewhere comfortable to call home. To have the opportunity to pursue our dreams without condemnation or belittlement by others. Our dreams and goals are OUR dreams and goals and no one should attempt to block them because the ideation does not match that of their own. I hope to guide people to focus on their own success rather than worrying or rising to contentious actions in situations or to people they cannot change. Find greatness in yourself.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that happened in my lifetime was on July 20, 1969.

I remember sitting in the living room in Bradshaw, NE with my family watching the black and white TV as Neil Armstrong stepped out of the rocket, down the ladder and onto the surface of the moon. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” I was four and a half years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

The first Job I had was being a flag car driver for my dad, escorting oversized loads on the highways across the plains. Together we delivered mobile homes so people would have a warm place to live. I had the job for two years before I left for college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is (NARNIA)The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It is my favorite because all the people found themselves in new situation where they had to discover who was friend and who was foe. Each person is allowed to choose to serve good or evil. Although they were unsure and frightened of the opportunities presented to them, they did not allow fear to stop them. Even when they had to make choices that may cost them their life, they chose to serve for the good of the masses. The book impacted me as a young girl so much so, that even though there were opportunities that scared me, I took them because failure happens only by not trying.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

OH, you will laugh at this one. My fictional character would be Jiminy Cricket. That tiny little powerful chirper who is always putting thoughts in your head to help you overcome your fear and make good decisions. Jiminy is small, strong, brave, honest and loyal. If you do not know who this is, watch Pinocchio.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Turn The Page by Bob Segar

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Asking for help from others. It's difficult to accept the humility in knowing that I cannot do it all by myself. It has always been very humbling for me to swallow my pride and say, "I need help."

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you?

The Governor is the leader of the State and the face to which citizens look for guidance in all things. A Governor should demonstrate and represent unity for all citizens of the State regardless of color, religion, status, race, gender, or identity. A Governor will serve as the example to all individuals, in diplomacy, acceptance and equity. A Governor should serve to empower all citizens and encourage them to be their best. To challenge them to be more and to serve one another and the State for the goodness of all.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

The core responsibility of the Governor is to keep its citizens safe, whether it is responding to natural disasters, health emergencies or manufactured crisis.

To be the Governor means to be the voice of the people and for the people with clear communications in listening and speaking to the legislature in the development of new laws and enforcement of current rules.
A Governor's responsibility is to develop a budget together with the representative of the people and stick to that budget with an unobstructed vision of long-term goals and needs for the State. But to also be flexible enough with funds to address unforeseen crisis in the State in order to lift burdens from the citizens.

A Governor is responsible for the oversight of each State agency to ensure accountability to the citizens and to ensure spending is thrifty and not wasteful.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

I believe the Governor should have input in the creation of the States budgeting process. The Governor should have the authority to access funds to respond to unforeseen needs of the State. The Legislative Representative should play a large part in the creation of the state budget, since they are the people who have a clearer understanding of the needs of their districts. The Governor should be flexible enough to work with all involved to create a sound, sustainable annual or multi-year budget.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

My philosophy in making line-item vetoes is to ensure fairness and representation to everyone. No person, group of people, special interest groups, small or large businesses would be preferably included or exempt from the requirement of the law.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between Governor and State Legislature is one of open, honest communication with the understanding that they have a shared responsibility to the people of the State. It is important to have checks and balances. It is important to understand where people are coming from as they present proposals for laws. Learning about their life and experiences will clarify the importance of the issues that they find important.

What do you love most about your state?

I love the people most of all. Nebraska is unique in that we can have a big city life or the peace and solitude of nature in our rural areas. It does not matter where you go, the people in the State are genuinely and sincerely kind. They will help you when you need help, hold and support you when you grieve, celebrate the joys of life as a community and cheer together in the boisterous amusement of competition. We have our differences and conflicts like all society, but ultimately, we have each other's back.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

In the next decade I believe the states greatest challenge will be civil unrest and natural disasters. Contentious acts and words by people, now have a platform with instantaneous call to action by those who are bad players. A person can choose any topic, find like-minded individuals, and ignite arguments and a call to violent actions.

I believe society will reach a tipping point where people who work long and hard for what they have will fight back against those for whom believe they should just receive what others have worked for. Whoever is in charge should have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to collaborate with all responders in a seamless coordinated fashion for the protection of people across the State, and the clarity to de-escalate the violence and listen to all involved to provide a viable solution.

There is no doubt that our weather and climate is changing in Nebraska. I foresee the current natural disasters we face each year will amplify in their intensity. This is something we cannot control but will need to adapt and have a solid understanding of the mitigation, response, and recovery for citizens to keep them alive, safe, and well cared for.

Tell us your favorite joke.

My dog got over the fence and I found him with my neighbor's prize rabbit in his mouth. I was mortified, brought the rabbit inside and cleaned him up, fluffed him to make him look like the blue-ribbon winner he was and placed him back on the neighbors back steps. I heard the neighbor scream in horror when he got home. So, I went out to check on him and asked what was wrong. He said " I buried that thing four days ago and I came home to find him sitting on my back steps.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

The Governor should be able to use emergency powers in the event of State or National disasters or manufactured emergencies that threaten the life and well-being of citizens. When the crisis goes above and beyond the capability of agencies or individuals to respond safely or make a decision without clear and full knowledge of the crisis, it is the responsibility of the Governor to shoulder the full weight of decisions and carry the responsibility of any and all consequences for the people. It is an enormous responsibility and each Nebraskan needs to weigh the trust of a person they select to represent, guide and protect them.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 2, 2021

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 2, 2021

[1]

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Lela McNinch

Contents

Biography

Elections

2022

General election

General election for Governor of Nebraska

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Nebraska

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Nebraska

Libertarian primary election

Libertarian primary for Governor of Nebraska

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

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Public Policy

Information for candidates

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