Brian Hardin

Hardin was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in the 48th district as a de facto republican against farmer Don L. Lease II, receiving 52% of the vote to Lease's 47%. Hardin was sworn in on January 4, 2023.^[5][6][7]

As of 2026, Hardin serves as a member of the Banking, Commerce and Insurance, Health and Human Services, and Nebraska Retirement Systems Committees. He also serves as a member on the Legislative Oversight Committee.^[3][8][9]

District 48 of Nebraska's Legislative District includes counties Scotts Bluff County, Banner County, and Kimball County.^[10]

Hardin is pro-life and "respects life from conception".^[11]

He supports the first amendment and wants to "Grow the freedom of religion and shrink the freedom from religion".^[11]

He supports the second amendment.^[11]

Hardin has pro-business political positions. He believes in shrinking work regulations.^[11]

In regards to K-12 education, Hardin believes in shrinking government influence and teacher's unions influence in education. He also wants to establish "moral training based on principles established by God" for teachers. In addition, he wants to "shrink indoctrination of Critical Race Theory – overt or veiled, as well as gender-bending studies which divide instead of unite."^[11][12][13]

Nebraska's 48th Legislative District Election, 2022^[14][15]

Primary election
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Brian Hardin	2,638	45.17
	Republican	Don L. Lease II	1,366	23.39
	Republican	Scott Shaver	1,314	22.50
	Republican	Jeremiah Jake Teeple	291	4.98
	Republican	Talon Cordle	231	3.96
Total votes			5,840	100.00
General election
	Republican	Brian Hardin	5,526	52.15
	Republican	Don L. Lease II	5,071	47.85
Total votes			10,597	100.00
	Republican hold