Pete Ricketts
U.S. Senator, NE · Republican · Nebraska
Pete Ricketts is Nebraska’s junior Republican U.S. Senator and former two-term governor, running for a full term in 2026 after winning a 2024 special election.
Profile last updated Jul 7, 2026 · Center Field Politics
Scout's Report
A former governor and businessman with deep resources and an established statewide brand, seeking his first full Senate term.
Core Strength
Executive experience, near-universal name recognition, and formidable financial resources.
Core Weakness
His 2023 appointment drew scrutiny over ties to the governor who named him.
Recent Action
Running in 2026 for a full term in the U.S. Senate seat he won in a 2024 special election.
Key Metrics
- Reliability
- 97%
- Documented Controversies
- 0
- Funding Secured
- $65M
Roll-call or session participation — did they show up?
Official ethics findings or court records only.
State tax and economic policy directed during his governorship (absolute).
Where They Stand
Stances on the issues many voters care most about. Where a candidate has not given a clear answer we mark it "Mixed / Partial" or "Unclear" rather than guess. Positions are drawn from official records and bias-labeled news sources; they are descriptive only and are never scored.
Environment—Opposes4
Climate protections and regulation versus fewer climate-related regulations on industry.
Opposes major climate regulation; supports oil, gas, and agricultural energy.
Healthcare—Opposes4
Expanding healthcare coverage for all versus expanding market-based, private insurance.
Opposes government-run and single-payer health care.
Second Amendment—Opposes4
New firearm regulations versus no new firearm regulations.
A Second Amendment supporter opposing new firearm restrictions.
Immigration—Opposes4
Pathways to citizenship versus a closed-border approach.
Supports stricter border enforcement.
Roe v. Wade—Opposes4
Protecting access to abortion versus restricting access to abortion.
A longtime abortion opponent as governor and senator.
National Security—Supports5
Whether diplomacy or military strength should be the primary national-security priority.
Endorsed the 2025 strikes on Iran’s nuclear program.
Party Loyalty
Party-line alignment on major recorded votes.