Scott Petersen Applauds Governor Jim Pillen for Closing Foreign Funding Loophole, Calls for Real Election Integrity Reform

LINCOLN, NE – Scott Petersen, Republican candidate for Nebraska Secretary of State, today praised Governor Jim Pillen for signing legislation that closes a loophole allowing foreign nationals to influence Nebraska ballot initiatives and elections.

“I applaud Governor Jim Pillen for his decisive leadership in protecting Nebraska elections from foreign interference,” said Petersen. “By signing this bill into law, he has taken a concrete step to ensure our elections are decided by Nebraskans, not outside money from abroad.”

“This strengthens state law, increases penalties, and sends a clear message: Nebraska elections belong to American citizens. Our elections must remain free from outside interference, and this measure strengthens our defenses against foreign money influencing ballot questions.”

The legislation builds on existing federal law prohibiting foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures in U.S. elections.

Petersen emphasized that while closing this loophole is an important step, true election integrity requires broader reforms, particularly addressing vulnerabilities in mail-in voting systems.

“Mail-in voting creates opportunities for outside money, including potentially foreign sources, to influence our elections,” Petersen said. “As Secretary of State, I will push for common-sense reforms to secure mail-in ballots, ensure every vote is verifiable, and restore confidence that only eligible Nebraska voters are participating.”

Petersen also highlighted the need for full transparency in election-related funding.

“True reform means shining a bright light on all sources of outside funding, including networks of nonprofits and NGOs that seek to influence our elections,” Petersen added. “As Secretary of State, I will aggressively enforce disclosure laws, so Nebraskans know exactly who is funding ballot initiatives and campaigns in our state.”

Petersen concluded by underscoring the need for consistent, results-driven leadership.

“Nebraskans deserve a Secretary of State who has consistently prioritized election security and who will deliver real results, not just rhetoric.”