Pete Ricketts (Statewide)

Biography

Pete Ricketts is a Republican U.S. Senator representing Nebraska since January 23, 2023, when he was appointed to succeed Ben Sasse. Born on August 19, 1964, in Nebraska City and raised in Omaha, he previously served as Nebraska's 40th Governor from 2015 to 2023.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a BA in biology and an MBA in marketing and finance from the University of Chicago. Graduated from Westside High School.
• Early Career: Worked at Union Pacific Railroad as a sales representative, held roles at TD Ameritrade , founded Drakon LLC to support Nebraska entrepreneurs, and served on the boards of TD Ameritrade and the Chicago Cubs.
• Political Experience: Elected Governor in 2014 and reelected in 2018. As Governor, delivered over $12.7 billion in tax relief , cut state spending growth to 2.8% annually, expanded workforce development, reduced regulations, and boosted agricultural exports. Nebraska ranked #1 in economic development projects per capita . Appointed by President Trump to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations and the Council of Governors. In the Senate, serves on committees including Environment and Public Works, Foreign Relations, and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• National recognition as a conservative leader for fiscal policies and economic growth.
• Current Senate roles include Chair of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife and Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.
• Candidate for full Senate term in 2026 elections. Catholic faith; resides in Omaha.