Who Is Running for Senate in Nebraska in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Pete Ricketts
(Incumbent)Economy
HighPete Ricketts advocates for economic growth and job creation through tax cuts and incentives. He supports increasing the child and dependent care tax credit, expanding employer-provided childcare credits for businesses, and eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay. Ricketts also co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to expand biofuel use to support American energy independence and agricultural jobs. He argues that cutting federal spending and fostering growth will lead to debt reduction and increased take-home pay.
Immigration
HighSenator Pete Ricketts supports funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and emphasizes securing the border. He highlights congressional actions such as funding the border wall, training federal immigration officers, and authorizing more immigration judges to address backlogs. Ricketts also links these efforts to ending illegal immigration and enhancing community safety, while criticizing efforts to reduce immigration enforcement.
Healthcare
HighPete Ricketts supports affordable healthcare for all Nebraskans, including veterans and those in rural areas. He backs the CARING for Our Veterans and MIND Our Veterans legislation and a $50 billion fund for rural healthcare grants. He also supports strengthening Medicaid for eligible populations by closing enrollment loopholes and introduced the HEALTH Panel Act for CBO transparency. He has opposed medical cannabis initiatives and abortion.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Pete Ricketts |
|---|---|
| Economy | Pete Ricketts advocates for economic growth and job creation through tax cuts and incentives. He supports increasing the child and dependent care tax credit, expanding employer-provided childcare credits for businesses, and eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay. Ricketts also co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to expand biofuel use to support American energy independence and agricultural jobs. He argues that cutting federal spending and fostering growth will lead to debt reduction and increased take-home pay. High |
| Immigration | Senator Pete Ricketts supports funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and emphasizes securing the border. He highlights congressional actions such as funding the border wall, training federal immigration officers, and authorizing more immigration judges to address backlogs. Ricketts also links these efforts to ending illegal immigration and enhancing community safety, while criticizing efforts to reduce immigration enforcement. High |
| Healthcare | Pete Ricketts supports affordable healthcare for all Nebraskans, including veterans and those in rural areas. He backs the CARING for Our Veterans and MIND Our Veterans legislation and a $50 billion fund for rural healthcare grants. He also supports strengthening Medicaid for eligible populations by closing enrollment loopholes and introduced the HEALTH Panel Act for CBO transparency. He has opposed medical cannabis initiatives and abortion. High |
| Climate & Energy | Senator Pete Ricketts supports energy independence through responsible use of natural resources, including fossil fuels and renewable fuels like ethanol, stating it bolsters rural economies and saves consumers money. He praised the EPA for rescinding the Endangerment Finding, asserting it had raised costs on businesses and its removal provides economic relief. Ricketts has a 2% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters, and he opposes mandates such as expanded Waters of the United States definitions and those forcing a transition to electric vehicles. He also opposed the Clean Power Plan and supported the Keystone XL Pipeline. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Pete Ricketts has supported restrictive abortion measures, including funding a competing abortion ban petition in Nebraska. He stated his support for the "Protect Women and Children ballot initiative," noting that Nebraska's abortion limits reflect a culture of life and protect Nebraska values. He also backed a 13-week abortion initiative as a counter-proposal to one aiming to put abortion rights into the state constitution. High |
| Foreign Policy | Pete Ricketts has expressed concern regarding China's expanding influence, aiming to prevent it from becoming the leading world superpower by 2049. He supports modernizing and strengthening America's nuclear deterrent, including investments in the Sentinel ICBM weapon system. Ricketts advocates for a strong military, close cooperation with allies, and increased defense investments as critical to national security and deterring adversaries. High |
| Education | Pete Ricketts supports school choice, emphasizing parental rights and tailored education options for students. He co-sponsored the 2026 National School Choice Week Resolution to promote diverse educational opportunities. As Governor, he proposed $4 million for private school opportunity scholarships and committed to fully funding K-12 education, stating, “We must continue to invest in the next generation of Nebraskans.” He also opposed Common Core. High |
| Gun Policy | Pete Ricketts opposes expanding gun laws, asserting that Nebraska is a "pro-Second Amendment state." He declared Nebraska a Second Amendment sanctuary state and has stated that mental health issues, not firearms, are at the root of most mass shootings. He blocked a bill aimed at banning bump stocks and opposes red flag laws. High |
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