Johnston announced legislative bid

Robert E. Johnston, a fifth-generation farmer and producer from Clearwater, recently announced his candidacy for Nebraska legislature District 40.

Johnston, a staunch advocate for rural Nebraska and lifelong community leader, filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State for the upcoming election.

"I have always been intrigued by the legislative process and, with a growing rural-urban divide across the state, now is the time for a strong voice to represent the voters of the 40th District," said Johnston. "I am proud to live and work here and I would be honored to represent the people of the district in the Unicameral."

Johnston operates the same family farm where he was raised, producing soybeans, corn and alfalfa. For the past decade, Johnston has served as a director on the Nebraska Soybean Association and was elected president and chairman. Johnston also advocated for rural Nebraska as a member of the Nebraska Ag Leaders Working Group for six years, fighting against rising property taxes and protecting the rights and livelihoods of rural Nebraskans.

"As the owner of a family farm, I am frustrated that property taxes are one of my largest operating expenses," said Johnston. "Over the past ten years, I have made multiple trips to Lincoln to testify at Unicameral committee hearings in favor of legislative bills that would reduce the tax burden on Nebraskans."