Republican Senator Pete Ricketts has publicly endorsed his wife, Susanne Shore, a Democrat, for a seat on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Ricketts made the announcement, declaring that Shore would be his “one Democrat exception” in the upcoming electoral cycle. He stated, “I usually vote straight Republican, but Susanne will be my one Democrat exception in 2026,” according to the Nebraska Examiner.
Shore is vying for a position on the board, which plays a crucial role in policymaking and oversight for public universities and colleges. Her campaign comes at a time when the university seeks to recover from challenges faced in the past year and aims to enhance accessibility to higher education for all students. Ricketts, who previously served as the governor of Nebraska from 2015 until 2023, expressed confidence in Shore’s capabilities, highlighting her “deep love” for the state and her potential to be “an outstanding voice” for the university.
Despite their differing political affiliations, the Ricketts-Shore partnership has demonstrated resilience amid a polarized political landscape. Over their 28 years of marriage, the couple has supported opposing political parties and candidates, even during Ricketts’ governorship. Shore remarked on their dynamic, saying, “There’s lots of discussion, but it’s always respectful, and we always listen as much as we speak.” She added that Ricketts is “nothing but supportive” of her aspirations.
Shore enters a competitive race to fill the seat vacated by Elizabeth O’Connor, who resigned in January after facing felony charges related to a DUI incident that resulted in serious injury to another individual. This transition follows the departure of the university’s chancellor, Rodney Bennett, who stepped down after a no-confidence vote from faculty members due to controversial budget cuts.
Shore’s background includes serving as Nebraska’s first lady and working with the University of South Dakota’s Dean of Residential Life, experiences she believes will provide her with valuable insight into the operations of the university. “I’ll be able to walk in and have legitimacy with anybody that’s in the room with me, a level of trust,” Shore stated.
The primary election for the University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents is scheduled for May 12, 2024. As Shore embarks on her political journey, Ricketts is simultaneously focused on his own re-election efforts. He was appointed to the Senate in 2022 following the resignation of former Senator Ben Sasse. Ricketts subsequently won a special election in 2024, defeating his Democratic challenger by approximately 25 percentage points. Former President Trump has endorsed Ricketts for the upcoming midterms, adding to the significance of the political landscape in Nebraska.
