James Douglas Pillen (born December 31, 1955)[1][2][3] is an American politician, veterinarian, and livestock producer serving as the 41st and current governor of Nebraska since 2023.

[7] After graduating from Lakeview Junior-Senior High School in 1974, Pillen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

[19][20] In a crowded field of primary candidates, Pillen won the nomination with about 33.75% of the vote, defeating Charles Herbster (who received 30.13%), Brett Lindstrom (25.68%), and Theresa Thibodeau (6.05%).

One week after being sworn in, he appointed his predecessor, Pete Ricketts, to the United States Senate seat left vacant by the resignation of Ben Sasse to become president of the University of Florida.

As governor, Pillen drew criticism in October 2023 when responding to reporting about dangerously high levels of nitrates at his farms.

"[30] The Asian American Journalists Association issued a statement condemning Pillen's remarks, stating that "Xu, an investigative reporter who grew up in China, deserves to do her job without being judged because of her nationality.

[33] A number of state senators expressed frustration at the call for a special session and with the proposals presented, some of which were introduced at the governor's request.

[36] In December 2024, Pillen sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in a horseback riding accident in Columbus, Nebraska, and was hospitalized.