Former U.S. Border Patrol agent and fifth generation North Platte native David Huebner has decided to run for Congress in Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District. Huebner introduced himself and his family to those attending the Perkins County Republican Party meeting in Madrid on Feb. 12. 

Huebner, a Republican, is running against long-time incumbent U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith. Smith has been in office since 2007, and Huebner said it won’t be easy to beat Smith. However, he said, internal polling and event responses suggest he has strong support and momentum.

Huebner said he sees his candidacy as an effort to send “a different kind of representative” to Washington.

“There is definitely an urge for change in our district,” Huebner said. “I’m providing myself as an option for you (the voters) to consider, and I hope that I can earn your trust and earn your vote.”

Huebner emphasizes he is not a career politician, but a family man and a Christian, with a solid foundation built on his family’s deep rural roots, his own experiences with being a local producer and business owner, his patriotism and his former border patrol agent career experiences.

Faith

A born-again Christian, Huebner said that, “Christ is king in my life,”  and that he believes America has a spiritual problem, not just a political one.

“We have a heart condition in Washington, D.C. We have a spiritually sick nation,” saying that real reform must start with changed hearts and the character of people sent to DC.

One way Huebner proposes to rebuild the character of the nation is through strong families.

While on the campaign trail, Huebner brings his young family with him, including his wife Amanda and their three young sons. The couple homeschools their children in what he calls a “one-room schoolhouse.”

“We home school, and my wonderful wife, Amanda, is our one-room schoolhouse teacher… It works with what we’re doing in business, works with what we’re doing in life,” he said, adding that it allows them to focus on “applicable learning” and to integrate their faith into education, and believes strong families and well-raised children are the “long game” solution to national problems.

Rural roots and business

A fifth-generation Lincoln County native, Huebner is the son and grandson of the founders of Huebner’s Lawn and Garden Center in North Platte, which is a business that will turn 75 years old this year, he said.

“I’m incredibly proud to be from Lincoln County, from Nebraska. I’m proud of our country. I’m proud that we are the descendants of sod busters and settlers and pioneers, fur trappers, cowboys and soldiers,” he said.

Huebner and his wife are also business owners, owning a cow-calf Black Angus operation and custom haying business near the North Platte airport, and owning and operating an Einstein Bros. Bagels franchise at the North Platte airport.

Speaking of specific issues concerning ag that he hopes to address, Huebner mentioned he is against DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) systems on ag machinery, and said environmental regulations burden farmers and don’t make sense for ag equipment.

He also desires cattle producers to be able to profit sustainably from their businesses, and for the younger generations to see a viable financial future in agriculture so they can “come back home.”

Patriotism

Huebner’s background as a former U.S. Border Patrol agent guides a lot of his desire to return to Washington. Graduating with a master’s degree in Homeland Security Management, and from U.S. Border Patrol Academy near Roswell, New Mexico, Huebner served in South Texas and later in Washington, DC.

He told the audience that his time in the Border Patrol gave him an up-close view of the illegal immigration problem, smuggling, and federal policy swings under multiple administrations.

He criticized policies under President Joe Biden that, in his view, undermined border enforcement and counterterrorism efforts. Those directives, he said, contributed to his decision to leave the agency and return to Nebraska.

“With the directives that we were getting, I didn’t think I could honor my oath to the Constitution,” Huebner said. “The directives that we were given just didn’t make sense.”

Huebner has pledged to be a strong voice in Congress for stricter enforcement of existing immigration laws and to support Border Patrol agents and ICE officers.

“I am a staunch advocate of our current immigration law. I’m a staunch advocate of lawful deportations,” he said, arguing that the “illegal side” of immigration policy undermines lawful immigration.

Huebner warned that future administrations could again change course on border security and said he wants to serve as a “layer of strategic defense” in Congress when those debates arise.

Key contrasts with Smith

During the more than one-hour talk, Huebner contrasted himself with the current incumbent, Smith in many ways, saying he would take a hardline stance on border security, federal spending, election integrity, and issues like vehicle kill switches and mandatory country‑of‑origin (MCOOL) labeling for beef.

He said Smith has supported most of these measures such as funding vehicle kill‑switch programs, the use of MCOOL, and backing large spending bills with controversial earmarks, while Huebner says he would align with the most conservative House members, push stricter immigration enforcement, stronger pro‑life and Second Amendment protections, and term limits.

Demanding campaign trail

Huebner closed his talk by acknowledging the size of the district. He said he and his family have traveled roughly 100,000 miles across the 3rd District in about eight and a half months, often returning home each night to save costs and stay connected to daily responsibilities.

“There is no stump safe in the 3^rd District, because if there’s a stump out there, I will find a way to stand on it and talk about this campaign,” he said.

He told attendees his campaign is intentionally lean and accessible.

“If you do support me, I am somebody you could get behind… Messages go to me. They don’t go to a paid consulting company or staffers. We’re running a pretty frugal campaign,” he said.

Huebner encouraged those present to visit his website at https://davidphuebner.com/ and visit social media pages. He also asked attendees to share information with friends and neighbors as the primary approaches.

Becky Uehling is a correspondent for the Grant County Tribune, where this article was first published.

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