LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Republican Pete Ricketts has picked Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann as his running mate in the Nebraska governor’s race.

Heidemann, an Elk Creek farmer and former state senator, will join the campaign to replace Gov. Dave Heineman, who is leaving office next year because of term limits. Ricketts made the announcement Monday and praised Heidemann as a man of great character, experience and collaborative skill.

Heidemann was appointed lieutenant governor in 2013, after winning election to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. He previously served in the Legislature, where he was chairman of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee.

Ricketts says he chose Heidemann in part because of that experience and the time he has spent as a farmer and school board member.