John Hilgert

In 1995, State Senator Tim Hall resigned from the Legislature to become Deputy Insurance Commissioner, and Governor Ben Nelson appointed Hilgert as his successor in the 7th district, which was based in South Omaha.^[2] Hilgert ran for a full term in 1996, and was challenged by Democrat Craig Christiansen, the president of the Nebraska State Education Association, who had also applied to fill Hall's vacancy, and Republican P.J. Asta, a janitor who had challenged Hall in 1992.^[3] In the primary election, Hilgert placed first with 55 percent of the vote, and advanced to the general election against Christiansen, who received 36 percent of the vote.^[4] In the general election, Hilgert defeated Christiansen by a wide margin, winning 56 percent of the vote.^[4] Hilgert was re-elected unopposed in 2000.^[5]

Hilgert considered running for Congress against Republican Congressman Lee Terry in 2002, but ultimately declined to do so, citing his inability to raise sufficient campaign funds to mount a credible campaign.^[6]

In 2001, Republican Governor Mike Johanns appointed Hilgert as the director of the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs.^[7] Hilgert was retained as director under governors Dave Heineman, Pete Ricketts,^[8] and Jim Pillen.^[9]