Brad von Gillern

R. Brad von Gillern is a member of the Nebraska Legislature, representing District 4, which encompasses the western portion of Omaha in Douglas County. He is affiliated with the nonpartisan party and has been serving in this capacity since his election on November 8, 2022. Throughout his legislative career, von Gillern has focused on various policy areas, including infrastructure, veterans' affairs, and economic development.

Early life and career

Brad von Gillern was born on July 13, 1960, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He completed his secondary education at Burke High School in Omaha, graduating in 1978. Following high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management in 1983.

In December 1981, von Gillern married Mary, and together they have four children. His professional career has been primarily in the construction industry. He became President of Lueder Construction in Omaha in 2000 and later acquired majority ownership of the company in 2006. He held the positions of president and CEO until 2021, when he sold his remaining interest in the business. His leadership at Lueder Construction contributed to the company's operations and growth within the construction sector in Nebraska.

In addition to his business endeavors, von Gillern has been actively involved in community service and leadership roles. He is currently a board member and Chair for the Boy Scouts of America, Mid American Council. His past board memberships include organizations such as Lifegate Church, the Salvation Army, Omaha Leaders, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. These roles reflect his commitment to community engagement and service beyond his professional life.

Legislative service

Brad von Gillern was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in November 2022, representing District 4. As of 2026, he holds the position of Chair on the Revenue Committee, which plays a crucial role in overseeing financial legislation and tax policy in the state. In addition to his leadership role on the Revenue Committee, he is a member of the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, as well as the Statewide Tourism and Recreational Water Access and Resource Sustainability Committee, known as LB406. His participation in these committees indicates his involvement in a wide range of legislative matters, from financial oversight to tourism and resource management.

During his time in office, von Gillern has introduced and supported various legislative initiatives aimed at addressing key issues within Nebraska. His legislative efforts reflect a focus on improving infrastructure, supporting veterans, and enhancing economic development through tax policy.

Policy focus and district

In his role as a state senator, von Gillern has prioritized several policy areas. He identifies as pro-life, which influences his stance on issues related to reproductive rights. His legislative initiatives have included a focus on veterans' affairs, infrastructure, and economic strategies.

In 2025, he introduced Legislative Bill 209, aimed at alleviating property taxes for veterans by allowing them to qualify for the Homestead Exemption. This legislation was successfully passed into law, demonstrating his commitment to supporting veterans and addressing their financial burdens.

Infrastructure has also been a significant focus for von Gillern. He introduced Legislative Bill 558 in 2025 to establish an Infrastructure Review Task Force for the state highway system. This bill mandates an annual review of Nebraska's highway infrastructure, ensuring that the state's transportation systems are maintained and improved over time. The passage of this bill reflects his dedication to enhancing the state's infrastructure for the benefit of its residents.

In the realm of economic policy, von Gillern has introduced multiple legislative bills aimed at addressing Nebraska's economic landscape and tax structure. One notable piece of legislation is LB 707, which raised the sales tax rate for the Good Life Transformational Projects Act and the Good Life District Economic Development Act. This bill, which passed in 2025, outlines parameters for businesses eligible under these acts, aiming to stimulate economic growth in Nebraska.

Additionally, von Gillern introduced Legislative Bill 650 in 2025, which sought to address a budget shortfall of $51 million in Nebraska. The bill aimed to cut certain incentive programs that would impact a limited number of businesses and organizations, reflecting a strategic approach to managing the state's financial resources.

In 2026, he introduced Legislative Bill 1165, known as The Union Pacific Merger Bill and Grow the Good Life Act, on behalf of Governor Jim Pillen. This legislation proposes a new grant program designed to help employers retain and attract employees, along with offering tax incentives for businesses operating in Nebraska. This initiative is particularly significant for major employers such as Union Pacific Railroad, which is headquartered in Omaha.

Transportation policy has also been a focus for von Gillern. In 2025, he introduced Legislative Bill 279, which aimed to simplify vehicle registration by requiring Nebraska vehicles to display only a back license plate instead of both front and back plates. This bill was later amended in Legislative Bill 97 and successfully passed, indicating his responsiveness to constituents' needs and concerns regarding transportation regulations.

Overall, Brad von Gillern's legislative service reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents in District 4 and the broader Nebraska community. His focus on infrastructure, veterans' affairs, and economic development illustrates his approach to governance, emphasizing practical solutions to enhance the quality of life for Nebraska residents.