Hilgers Enters Race for AG

NORFOLK - On Wednesday, December 15, Speaker Mike Hilgers announced his candidacy to be Nebraska’s next Attorney General, succeeding current Attorney General Doug Peterson. Yesterday, General Peterson announced that he will not seek re-election and will complete his current term. Mike was introduced by former Speakers of the Legislature Mike Flood and Jim Scheer, both of Norfolk, who have endorsed his candidacy.

“Thank you to Attorney General Peterson for his service to Nebraskans—he has been a great defender of our communities and families. On behalf of Nebraskans across the state, thank you to Doug and Sandi for their service over the last eight years. I am running to build on the great work from Attorney General Peterson and his team.” Hilgers said.

In announcing his campaign, Speaker Hilgers said: “The Attorney General plays a critical role in protecting Nebraskans, and as Attorney General I will fight against federal overreach, stand with law enforcement, defend our constitution, and protect our communities and families.”

“Just in the last few months, the Biden-Harris Administration has stretched beyond the law and our constitution, from pushing unlawful vaccine mandates to trying to dictate to states what they can do with their own tax policies,” Hilgers said. “These unlawful actions have been stopped in court, and as Attorney General I will vigilantly protect our constitution against the federal government.”

Hilgers also said that “we have seen efforts around the country to undermine the efforts of our prosecutors and the good men and women of our law enforcement community to keep people safe."

Speaker Hilgers has been a private practice attorney with extensive courtroom experience who has practiced for over 15 years. He founded the litigation firm Hilgers Graben, which previously has been named one of the fastest growing companies in the country by Inc. magazine.

Speaker Hilgers enters the race in a strong position. He starts the campaign with the endorsements of Governor Pete Ricketts, Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley, United States Senator Deb Fischer, Congressman Don Bacon, Congressman Adrian Smith, former Governor Dave Heineman and former Governor Kay Orr, among other party leaders. The campaign starts today in Norfolk, Nebraska, as Speaker Hilgers launches a statewide tour.

In his campaign for Nebraska Attorney General, Hilgers has acquired several endorsements.

“I’ve seen firsthand the dedication Speaker Mike Hilgers has to defending the rule of law and protecting Nebraskan’s rights during his time in the Nebraska Legislature. He has everything that Nebraskans need and expect from their Attorney General and I’m proud to support him in his campaign,” said Gov. Pete Ricketts.

“I am proud to endorse Mike Hilgers for Attorney General. Mike is a proven leader, a strong conservative, and a stalwart champion for the rule of law. He has the intellect, experience, and expertise needed to defend our laws during these challenging times,” Senior United States Senator Deb Fischer.

“I know Speaker Mike Hilgers will fight tirelessly to protect the rights of all Nebraskans. He has the experience and skillset required to be an effective Attorney General and it is my privilege to support him in his campaign,” Congressman Adrian Smith.

"Speaker Mike Hilgers is a man of integrity and trust. He proved himself as an outstanding Speaker of the Unicameral. He will make a brilliant Attorney General. Any team that has Mike Hilgers at the helm is a winning team," said Congressman Don Bacon.

“Speaker Mike Hilgers has been a strong, conservative champion during his time in the Nebraska Legislature. I’m thrilled he is running for Attorney General to continue to work for all Nebraskans and I’m honored to support him,” said Nebraska Lt. Governor Mike Foley.

ABOUT MIKE:

Mike Hilgers is a businessman, attorney, public servant and a father.

Mike Hilgers is currently the Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature has been a private practice attorney for more than 15 years with extensive courtroom experience. He is the founder of the litigation firm Hilgers Graben, which previously has been named one of the fastest growing companies in the country by Inc. magazine.

Mike attended Baylor University, graduated from the University of Chicago Law School where he was the editor of the law review. After law school he clerked at the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He was elected to serve the people of Legislative District 21 in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. In 2021 he was elected to be the Speaker for the 107th Legislature.

Mike and his wife Heather have been married for 11 years and they have three children Alice (10), Elsie (7), Clara Jane (5), Mike Jr. (3). Their family worships at North American Martyrs Catholic Church. Mike is a member of the Lincoln Independent Business Association and a member of the Fallbrook Kiwanis.