U.S. Senate candidate profile: Pete Ricketts

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Senator Pete Ricketts is running for a two-year term to keep his seat in the U.S. Senate. He faces Democrat Preston Love Jr. in the Nebraska General Election.

In January, Gov. Jim Pillen appointed Ricketts to the U.S. Senate following Ben Sasse’s resignation.

We sent questionnaires to each candidate in the race. Responses from candidates are posted verbatim and not edited for spelling, grammar, or content.

Pete Ricketts

Political Party: Republican

Seeking 2 year term

Website: https://petericketts.com/

1. Please provide a brief overview of your background and what drives you to seek this office.

I currently have the honor of serving Nebraskans in the United States Senate. I first ran for office because I believed we could apply the same lessons I learned in my business career to how we run our state government. This approach worked. By making government agencies more efficient while improving our level of services, we were able to limit the growth of our government spending and save taxpayers money. Now, I am seeking to serve the remainder of Ben Sasse’s term in the Senate. I am running to complete the term because I have seen a contrast between the failed policies from the federal government and the successful policies that worked here in Nebraska. I hope my experience as governor will allow me to be a voice in Washington for the same policies that improved government services, grew our economy, reduced taxes, and created prosperity in Nebraska.

2. What would be your top three priorities if (re)elected?

My top three priorities are securing the southern border, reducing federal spending, and making government more efficient and less bureaucratic.

3. How do you plan to advocate for federal support for Nebraska’s agriculture industry?

I am proud to be endorsed by the Nebraska Farm Bureau. I have always fought for policies that put Nebraska agriculture first by reducing government intervention and maintaining a strong safety net for our ag producers. At the federal level, I will fight to make sure we have a Farm Bill with a robust crop insurance program, expanded trade opportunities, and common-sense conservation programs.

4. What strategies do you propose to enhance the economy?

Nebraska’s economic prosperity should serve as a model for our federal government. During my time as governor, we improved government services, reduced the tax burden, and cut red tape. As a result, Nebraska’s economy continues to prosper. At the federal level, we need to reduce bureaucratic regulations and control spending to provide tax relief.

5. What reforms need to be made to border security and immigration, if any? How do these issues directly impact Nebraskans?

Joe Biden has the necessary tools to secure the border, but he refuses to do so. The most important reform is restoring “Remain in Mexico”. This policy is the first step to reforming our broken asylum process. Our current system incentivizes illegal immigration by allowing people to enter illegally and stay in the United States awaiting court dates years down the road. We must also stop Joe Biden’s abuse of parole. Immigration parole allows the executive branch the power to allow foreigners into the U.S. temporarily in an accelerated manner. Joe Biden is solely responsible for the entrance of 1.2 million people into the United States through immigration parole last year. We must implement the Remain in Mexico policy, tighten the asylum process, and eliminate Biden’s abuse of parole.

6. What is your stance on U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza? Do you support funding for these conflicts or sanctions against Russia?

Leading with strength is the best way for America to ensure our nation is safe and peace is maintained around the world. It is in our best interest to back our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel, as they defend themselves against terrorist attacks from Hamas. We must also stop Putin’s unprovoked aggression in Ukraine. The Biden administration has refused to lead with strength. Restoring peace through strength is the best way to resolve these conflicts.

7. How would you balance being mindful of taxpayer spending and also providing critical services like infrastructure, social security and more to Nebraskans?

The federal government is spending too much on inefficient government agencies. In the last four years, federal spending on agencies has risen 40%. As governor, we cut Nebraska’s spending to keep state budget growth to an average of 2.8% per year. We did this while also improving our level of government services. Controlling spending allowed Nebraska to invest in crucial services like infrastructure while saving residents money through tax relief. Social security must remain fully funded. Controlling federal spending will keep these programs running and funded.

8. Many Americans are frustrated and distrustful of our leadership in Washington. How can you work to help rebuild trust between Government and the American people?

Government exists to serve the people – not the other way around. I believe the specific duties of the federal government outlined in our Constitution should be done with excellence and efficiency. Our federal government’s job is to provide safety and security for the American people. We must return to a nation that does this job. As governor, I clearly articulated my policies and followed through on my commitment to Nebraskans. Ensuring that our government follows through on its promises will help rebuild trust between the Government and the American people.

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