The Ricketts Family, Political Influence, and Nebraska’s Senate Shake-Up
In January 2023, significant political movements took place that highlighted the Ricketts family’s influence in Nebraska and beyond. One of the most notable events was Ben Sasse’s resignation from his Senate seat in Nebraska. Sasse stepped down on January 8, 2023, to assume the position of President of the University of Florida. This transition was not without political connections.
The Role of Ron DeSantis and Joe Ricketts
Around the same time, Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade and patriarch of the Ricketts family, donated $1 million to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. While DeSantis did not directly hire Sasse, he sat on the board of trustees at the University of Florida, exerting notable influence over the board’s decisions. This connection underscored the intricate web of political and financial relationships at play.
Pete Ricketts and Jim Pillen: A Strategic Alliance
Governor Pete Ricketts played a critical role in shaping Nebraska’s political landscape. He donated $1.3 million to Jim Pillen’s 2022 gubernatorial campaign, followed by an additional $5.4 million from the Ricketts family. Pillen was subsequently elected as Nebraska’s governor in 2022, setting the stage for further political maneuvers.
When Ben Sasse vacated his Senate seat in January 2023, Governor Pillen appointed none other than former Governor Pete Ricketts to fill the position. This appointment further solidified the Ricketts family’s political presence in Nebraska.
The 2024 Special Election
A special election was held in 2024 to formally fill the Senate seat vacated by Sasse. Pete Ricketts ran as the Republican candidate, opposed only by Democrat Preston Love Jr. The financial disparity between the two campaigns was striking. Ricketts had $4.3 million at his disposal, while Love’s campaign operated with just $283,000. Despite the funding gap, Preston Love Jr. still managed to secure 37% of the vote.
Further Campaign Contributions
The Ricketts family’s influence extended beyond Pete Ricketts’ campaign. They donated $2 million to Senator Deb Fischer’s re-election campaign. In total, approximately 9% of all campaign funding for that election cycle came from the Ricketts family, underscoring their significant role in shaping Nebraska’s political outcomes.
Conclusion
The events surrounding Ben Sasse’s resignation and Pete Ricketts’ Senate appointment reveal a complex network of political influence, strategic appointments, and substantial financial contributions. The Ricketts family’s role in Nebraska politics has been both prominent and impactful, shaping the state’s leadership and election outcomes through strategic donations and alliances.