Nebraska GOP Senator Pete Ricketts Backs Democratic Wife for University Board
Republican Senator Pete Ricketts, a staunch Trump-aligned lawmaker, has made a surprising political endorsement, publicly supporting his Democratic wife, Susanne Shore, for a seat on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. In a statement obtained by the Nebraska Examiner, Ricketts declared, "I usually vote straight Republican, but Susanne will be my one Democrat exception in 2026!" This rare cross-party backing highlights a unique marital dynamic amid the nation's often divisive political landscape.
A Marriage of Opposing Political Views
Ricketts and Shore have been married for 28 years, maintaining a strong partnership despite their starkly different political affiliations. Throughout their marriage, they have donated to opposing political parties and endorsed rival candidates in presidential elections, even during Ricketts' tenure as Nebraska's governor from 2015 to 2023. Shore emphasized that their discussions are always respectful, telling the Nebraska Examiner, "There's lots of discussion, but it's always respectful, and we always listen as much as we speak." She added that Ricketts is "nothing but supportive" of her political ambitions.
Shore's Campaign and University Context
Susanne Shore is seeking a seat on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, which provides policymaking guidance and oversight for public universities and colleges in the state. Her campaign comes at a turbulent time for the university, following the resignation of Chancellor Rodney Bennett after a no-confidence vote from faculty over controversial budget cuts. Additionally, former regent Elizabeth O'Connor stepped down in January after being charged with a felony for allegedly driving while intoxicated and causing a serious crash.
Shore enters a crowded field of at least four other Democrats vying for O'Connor's seat. She believes her experience as Nebraska's first lady and her work for the University of South Dakota's Dean of Residential Life give her valuable insight into college operations. "I'll be able to walk in and have legitimacy with anybody that's in the room with me, a level of trust," Shore stated, aiming to help leadership recover and make higher education accessible for all students.
Ricketts' Political Standing and Endorsement
While Shore pursues her political career, Pete Ricketts is focused on his own re-election. Appointed as Nebraska's senator in 2022 after Ben Sasse stepped down, Ricketts won the state's 2024 special election by roughly 25 percentage points. He has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump for the upcoming midterms, solidifying his MAGA-aligned credentials. Despite this, his support for Shore underscores a personal exception to his typically strict Republican voting record.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents primary is scheduled for May 12, setting the stage for a closely watched race. Ricketts praised Shore's "deep love" for Nebraska and called her "an outstanding voice" for the university, demonstrating how their long-standing marriage transcends political partisanship in this unique endorsement.
