Biography
Name: John Peter "Pete" Ricketts
Date of Birth: August 19, 1964
Place of Birth: Nebraska City, Nebraska
Political Party: Republican
Current Position: United States Senator from Nebraska
Term Start: January 23, 2023
Predecessor: Ben Sasse
Family: Married to Susanne Shore; three children: Roscoe, Margot, and Eleanor
Residence: Omaha, Nebraska
Pete Ricketts is an American businessman and politician serving as the junior United States Senator from Nebraska since January 2023. Born and raised in Nebraska, he is the son of Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade, and Marlene Ricketts, a school teacher. Before his tenure in the Senate, Ricketts served as the 40th Governor of Nebraska from 2015 to 2023. He has been actively involved in both the private sector and public service, emphasizing fiscal conservatism and economic development throughout his career.
Education
-
High School: Westside High School, Omaha, Nebraska
-
Bachelor of Arts in Biology: University of Chicago
-
Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance: University of Chicago
Political Experience
-
2006: Republican nominee for U.S. Senate; lost to incumbent Ben Nelson
-
2015–2023: Governor of Nebraska
- Delivered over $12.7 billion in tax relief, including over $10 billion in property tax relief
- Eliminated state taxes on veterans’ retirement income starting in 2022
- Cut the growth of state spending by more than half, holding state budgets to an average of 2.8% growth annually
- Expanded international markets for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers
-
2023–Present: United States Senator from Nebraska
- Appointed by Governor Jim Pillen to fill the vacancy left by Ben Sasse
- Serving on the following Senate Committees:
- Environment & Public Works
- Foreign Relations
- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
- Budget
Throughout his political career, Ricketts has been a staunch advocate for conservative values, focusing on tax relief, economic development, and reducing government spending. His tenure as governor was marked by significant tax reforms and efforts to bolster Nebraska's business-friendly climate. As a U.S. Senator, he continues to prioritize fiscal responsibility and national security.
