Sen. Pete Ricketts Announces 2026 Reelection Bid in Nebraska

Sen. Pete Ricketts, a Republican who was appointed to the Senate in 2023 and won a 2024 special election, formally launched his 2026 reelection campaign with a statewide kickoff in Omaha and stops including Scottsbluff. He emphasized his conservative record as a two‑term former governor, citing the One Big Beautiful Bill, billions in tax cuts, support for law enforcement and increased border security that he said led to thousands of new agents. Ricketts outlined priorities for a full six‑year term: reducing federal spending, continuing tax relief for families and seniors, strengthening border security (including more judges and agents), deterring China and other foreign threats, and pursuing federal plans for more affordable housing. He has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and support from Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and Rep. Adrian Smith, and is mounting a grassroots voter‑outreach effort. His likely opponent is independent Dan Osborn, who ran competitively in 2024; Ricketts has labeled Osborn a “fake” while Osborn has accused Ricketts of buying his way into office, setting up a closely watched, contested race.