Pete Ricketts is a businessman and politician who served as Nebraska's 40th governor from 2015-2023. Born in Nebraska City on August 19, 1964, he is the eldest son of Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade, and is a part-owner of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Ricketts holds a B.A. in biology and an MBA in marketing and finance from the University of Chicago. He worked in executive positions at his family's company and founded Drakon LLC. After losing a U.S. Senate race to Ben Nelson in 2006, he was elected governor in 2014 and reelected in 2018. In January 2023, Governor Jim Pillen appointed Ricketts to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy created by Ben Sasse's resignation. He won a special election in November 2024 with 62.6% of the vote against Democratic nominee Preston Love Jr., and is now seeking his first full six-year term.
Ricketts grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade. He earned undergraduate and MBA degrees from University of Chicago, worked in executive positions at his family's discount brokerage firm, and became involved in conservative political organizations including serving as Republican National Committee national committeeman (2007-2012) and American Enterprise Institute trustee (2007-2013). He co-founded the Platte Institute for Economic Research, described as a conservative free-market think tank. As part-owner of the Chicago Cubs (family trust purchased them in 2009), Ricketts has a 2016 World Series championship credit. He is married to Susanne Shore, a former nurse with a Democratic Party registration, and they have three children together.
Strong supporter of border security and stricter immigration enforcement
Trump praised Ricketts as 'one of the strongest Senators in the Country on Border Security.' As governor, Ricketts sent Nebraska National Guard to assist Texas with border security. As senator, he advocates for immigration policies focused on controlling illegal immigration and border enforcement.
Voting History: Ricketts voted against the 2024 National Security Act which included $14 billion in aid to Israel, citing lack of action on the U.S.-Mexico border as his reason for the 'no' vote.
Conservative fiscal conservative supporting tax cuts and reduced government spending
Ricketts delivered $12.7 billion in tax relief as governor through working with the Legislature. As senator, he supports Trump's tax agenda and voted for Trump's tax bill which he calls 'the largest tax cut in American history.' Club for Growth PAC gave him a lifetime rating of 87%.
Voting History: Voted for Trump budget and tax bill; sponsored housing affordability bills including Housing for America's Middle Class Act, Improving Housing Access Act, and Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act in 2026.
Pro-Israel with concerns about Iran
Ricketts publicly condemned Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks as 'acts of savagery and terrorism' and supports Israel's right to defend itself. He has criticized international bodies like the UN for anti-Israel bias. However, he voted against the National Security Act in 2024 citing border security concerns.
Voting History: Voted against the 2024 National Security Act that included $14 billion aid to Israel; voted FOR the separate Epstein Files Transparency Act after initial opposition.
Pro-life
Ricketts' first three Senate bills focused on permanently prohibiting federal funding for abortion, making it a federal crime for physicians to perform abortion on minors from another state without parental consent, and reinstating in-person dispensing requirements for abortion drugs.
Voting History: Cosponsored multiple anti-abortion bills upon Senate appointment in 2023.
From February 2023 to March 2026, Ricketts missed 24 of 1,413 roll call votes (1.7%), better than the median of 2.8% among current serving senators. He is positioned as a conservative Republican on voting ideology and leadership scores. Recent legislation introduced in 2026 focuses on housing, insider trading, agricultural issues, and rural regulatory relief.
| Bill | Title | Vote | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 National Security Act | National Security Act with $14 billion Israel aid | Nay | 2024-04-24 | Ricketts opposed aid package citing insufficient action on U.S.-Mexico border as reason for no vote, showing prioritization of immigration enforcement over Israel support. |
| Trump Tax Bill | 2025 Tax Cuts Package | Yea | 2025-06-01 | Ricketts voted for Trump's tax package, which he describes as 'the largest tax cut in American history,' demonstrating alignment with Trump fiscal agenda. |
| H.R. 6938 | Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 | Yea | 2026-01-15 | Passed 82-15, showing Ricketts voting with bipartisan consensus on appropriations. |
Ricketts' social media tone is professional and political, emphasizing his record and conservative accomplishments. Posts focus on legislative results and policy positions rather than personal attacks, though his campaign rhetoric (via spokespersons) uses stronger language calling Osborn 'fake independent.' Official Senate account maintains more formal tone than campaign accounts.
New Year wishes to followers
Standard holiday greeting to constituents; reflects ongoing social media engagement.
View post →Ricketts is 'buying his way into the Senate with his dad's money' and represents billionaire class interests
Osborn contrasts his working-class background with Ricketts' family wealth and business connections, arguing Ricketts is out of touch with ordinary Nebraskans and serves corporate interests.
Ricketts votes against working people and workers' interests
Osborn points to Ricketts' opposition to minimum wage increases and Medicaid expansion as governor, and his tax cut focus, arguing these policies primarily benefit the wealthy.
Ricketts is using 'sketchy political maneuvers' and running a campaign with 'no-holds-barred approach'
Democrats allege Ricketts orchestrated the William Forbes candidacy to split Democratic/Osborn support, though Ricketts denies involvement. Historical context includes Ricketts' reputation for aggressive political tactics and use of personal wealth to influence Nebraska politics.