Politics | Mike Johanns Nebraska GOP Senator to Retire He's one of only two Republicans backing Chuck Hagel By Kevin Spak Posted Feb 18, 2013 11:29 AM CST Copied Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb. speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington,Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, as the lame duck 112th Congress session began. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns has informed his state's governor that he doesn't intend to run for re-election next year, sources tell NBC News. Johanns is notable as the man who replaced Chuck Hagel in the Senate—and is now one of only two Senate Republicans publicly backing his defense nomination. He hasn't made headlines often, but you might remember the time he tried to ban Japanese cars, or the time he butted heads with John McCain over popcorn. Read These Next "Admiral Piett" of the Star Wars universe died from COVID. Rescuer in floods gets a poignant question. Trump voter who supported mass deportations could be deported herself. Contestant leaves Love Island USA after backlash. Report an error