COLUMBUS, Neb. -- Former Nebraska football player and current University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen announced Wednesday that he seek the 2022 Republican nomination for governor.

Pillen, a Republican, is also a pork producer who operates Pillen Farms. He is the second Republican, and third candidate overall, to announce his candidacy.

Charles Herbster, who operates Herbster Angus Farms in Falls City. Herbster has longstanding ties with former President Donald Trump as an agricultural adviser, announced his intentions last year. Bob Krist is the lone Democrat to announce a campaign so far.

A number of potential high-profile candidates, including State Sen. Brett Lindstrom and State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, have yet to decide whether or not they will run. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon have declared that they will not run for the post.

Pillen says his priorities include gun rights, law enforcement, tax reform and immigration.

The 2022 election will be held to replace current Gov. Pete Ricketts who will be term-limited in 2023 after serving eight years.