LINCOLN- Stan Parker, a Christian radio executive and former UNL offensive lineman, joined the Lincoln mayoral race. Endorsed by his old coach and former U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne, who touted the candidate's "discipline," Parker will run against incumbent mayor and Democrat Leirion Gaylor Baird.

Parker is currently gathering the 300 signatures necessary to join the race, which will begin with an April 2023 primary. The primary election, which is officially nonpartisan, will see Parker facing off against the aforementioned Baird, and also State Sen. Suzanne Geist, who threw her hat in the ring last month.

Parker stated that one key difference between him and Baird is how he would've handled the COVID-19 pandemic in Lincoln. The radio executive said that he would've leaned more heavily into personal choice, trusting people to make decisions for themselves, their businesses, and their families.

Both Parker and Geist stated that they oppose any form of mask mandates in the city, and hope to support law enforcement more than Baird has in the past.

When asked about the permitless carry bill, which Geist was criticized for not supporting in the legislature, Parker stated that he hadn't reviewed it yet. Police unions in Lincoln and Omaha opposed the bill, but Parker stated that he supports completely the 2nd Amendment, believing it keeps "us free as a nation."

Parker's campaign has just begun raising money, and has been targeting smaller donors. Parker's goal is to illicit $100 from at least 5,000 people, and believes he can do so by having "face-to-face" talks with Lincoln citizens.

Parker's experience leading a nonprofit Christian ministry, he believes, has prepared him better for leading the city than political experience.

Tom Osborne, at Parker's mayoral announcement, lauded the radio executive, stating that "he's a good leader. He's not an in-your-face kind of leader. He's a guy who listens."

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