LINCOLN — Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that former Governor Pete Ricketts will be appointed as Nebraska's next U.S. Senator. Governor Pillen and Senator-designate Ricketts were joined by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, State Treasurer John Murante, and 30 state senators.
"Pete Ricketts fits the bill," said Governor Pillen. "He is hard-working, a positive leader, and someone who advocates for conservative and Christian values. Pete has a proven record of serving the state, both in times of plenty and in times of crisis. These are the attributes that he will take with him on his journey to Washington."
In total, 111 applicants applied for the seat. Nine candidates were interviewed.
Pete Ricketts is hard-working, a positive leader, and someone who advocates for conservative and Christian values. He has a proven record of serving the state, in times of plenty and crisis. These are the attributes that he will take with him on his journey to Washington. pic.twitter.com/3jk0y1mufE
— Governor Jim Pillen (@TeamPillen) January 12, 2023
Governor Pillen listed five criteria for his process in identifying the right candidate:
- Someone who would represent the state's values and ideals
- Someone who understood the nature of the job and could hit the ground running
- Someone who would garner support from Nebraskans across the state
- Someone who was committed and wanted the position for the long term
- Someone who would bring enthusiasm to the role and do what's best for Nebraska
Senator-designate Pete Ricketts said he looks forward to representing Nebraskans in the Senate.
"I'm humbled and honored by this unexpected opportunity to continue serving the people of Nebraska. It's never been more important that we advance Nebraska's interests and commonsense, conservative values in Congress, and that's what my focus will be."
Senator Deb Fischer said she looks forward to working with her new colleague:
"Congratulations to Pete, Susanne, and their whole family. We all know that Pete loves Nebraska, and that he is committed to continuing to serve the people of our great state. I look forward to working together in this new capacity and forging a strong partnership in the U.S. Senate. We will continue to fight every day for a stronger Nebraska and a more secure nation.”
The announcement on provided plenty of response for people on Twitter, some positive and some negative.
Congratulations to my friend former Gov. Pete Ricketts, Susanne and family on his appointment to the United States Senate! Pete was a Great Governor for Nebraska and will be a Champion for the Cornhusker State & Conservative Values in the US Senate! 🇺🇸
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 12, 2023
https://t.co/Atui5o2NEQ
Fantastic news— I’m looking forward to working with my friend Pete Ricketts in the Senate!
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 12, 2023
Pete will continue to fight for Nebraskans in Washington as we hold the failing Biden administration accountable, stand up to Communist China, and advance conservative policies.
Congratulations to Pete Ricketts, the newest member of Nebraska's delegation. I look forward to working with him. https://t.co/vsDwlV1t5x
— Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸 (@RepDonBacon) January 12, 2023
Senator Ricketts will be a strong conservative, a voice for agriculture, and an advocate for Offutt in the U.S. Senate. His experience as Governor will be an asset to the entire delegation as we work together to fight for Nebraska values in Washington. Welcome to the team! pic.twitter.com/2zO5U03x6E
— Rep. Mike Flood (@USRepMikeFlood) January 12, 2023
He didn't interview any Democrats
— Nebraska Democratic Party (@NebraskaDems) January 12, 2023
He didn't interview ANY WOMEN, but don't worry at least four were named Don.
Let’s save the time of going to the press conference—@jim_pillen will appoint @GovRicketts to pay him back for buying him the Governors seat. This will be the most blatant pay to play scheme we’ve seen in our state and it’s happening right in front of us all. https://t.co/Sz2lF8JcwO
— Jane Kleeb👢🪧🗳️ (@janekleeb) January 11, 2023