Pete Ricketts, a Republican Senator from Nebraska, has publicly endorsed his wife, Susanne Shore, as she campaigns for a position on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Ricketts, known for his alignment with former President Donald Trump, made this announcement, declaring Shore as his “one Democrat exception” for the upcoming election cycle.
In a statement reported by the Nebraska Examiner, Ricketts expressed confidence in Shore’s ability to represent the university effectively. “I usually vote straight Republican, but Susanne will be my one Democrat exception in 2026!” he stated. Shore aims to secure a seat on the board, which plays a crucial role in policymaking and oversight for public universities and colleges. Her campaign centers on improving university leadership and ensuring higher education remains accessible for all students.
Shore’s candidacy comes at a time when the board seeks stability following a challenging year. In January, previous board member Elizabeth O’Connor resigned after facing felony charges related to a serious car accident while under the influence. This incident coincided with the resignation of Rodney Bennett, the university’s chancellor, who departed after faculty members expressed a loss of confidence in his leadership due to controversial budget cuts.
Ricketts, who served as Nebraska’s governor from 2015 to 2023, emphasized Shore’s dedication to the state and her qualifications. He believes she would serve as “an outstanding voice” for the university. The couple has been married for 28 years, and their differing political views have not hindered their partnership. Throughout their marriage, they have supported opposing political parties and candidates, even during Ricketts’ tenure as governor.
Shore reflected on their political discussions, stating, “There’s lots of discussion, but it’s always respectful, and we always listen as much as we speak.” She noted that Ricketts has been “nothing but supportive” of her ambitions. With a background as Nebraska’s first lady and experience working in higher education, Shore feels prepared to navigate the complexities of university operations. “I’ll be able to walk in and have legitimacy with anybody that’s in the room with me, a level of trust,” she remarked.
As Shore enters a competitive race with at least four other Democratic candidates, the primary election is scheduled for May 12, 2024. Meanwhile, Ricketts is also focused on his political career. He was appointed to the Senate in 2022 following the resignation of former Senator Ben Sasse and won a special election in 2024 by a significant margin of approximately 25 percentage points against his Democratic opponent.
Looking ahead, both Ricketts and Shore are navigating their respective political paths, with Ricketts receiving Trump’s endorsement for his upcoming re-election campaign. As the couple balances their personal and political lives, they continue to exemplify a partnership that bridges partisan divides.
