Ricketts routs Love in Nebraska’s special Senate election

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Sen. Pete Ricketts was easily elected in his own right on Tuesday night, earning a position he first sought almost 20 years ago.

The Associated Press called the race as soon as polls closed at 8 p.m.

By 11:30 p.m., Ricketts led Democrat Preston Love Jr. 60% to 40%.

The former TD Ameritrade executive began his political career in 2006, when he took on incumbent Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson.

He lost in a blowout, which would become the last statewide Democratic victory.

But Ricketts rebounded in 2014, when he was elected governor. He coasted to reelection four years later.

Just days after Ricketts left office, Gov. Jim Pillen appointed him to the seat left vacant by the resignation of Sen. Ben Sasse.

Ricketts lists agriculture, border security and energy independence as some of his top priorities in the Senate.

He plans to run for a full term in 2026.