Sen. Ricketts discusses Supreme Court rulings, border security & Working People’s Party

WAVERLY, Neb. (KLKN) – Channel 8 caught up with Senator Pete Ricketts on Tuesday as he was making a stop in Waverly.

He was touring the Tractor Supply Distribution Center there, calling the trip a success as he was able to speak with Nebraskans about how federal policy affects them.

During his interview with Channel 8, he addressed the Supreme Court’s most recent rulings.

“So, it’s just common sense that we want to protect our daughters and granddaughters,” said Sen. Ricketts.

He was reacting to the court’s ruling that keeps Nebraska’s ban on transgender athletes in place.

“In fact, we have a ballot initiative that turned in the signatures today to be able to do just that, to give Nebraskans a chance to vote on it, to put it in our Constitution,” he said.

The Senator was referring to the Fairness for Girls committee, and the 200,000 plus signatures they collected for the 2026 ballot initiative.

Supporters of the ruling say it is a success because it keeps Nebraska’s ban on transgender athletes participating in K-12 team sports at public schools in effect.

Channel 8 also asked him about the ruling on birthright citizenship.

“Obviously, we respect the Supreme Court’s ruling on birthright citizenship,” said Sen. Ricketts.

He then commended the Trump administration’s work at the border.

“For the last 13 months, not a single illegal immigrant has been released at the Southern border into the United States. So, this President has secured the border,” he said.

Lastly, Senator Ricketts shared his views on the newest party to petition for the 2026 ballot and also addressed rumors that link him to the group.

“I found out about the Working People’s Party the same way everybody else did,” he said.

“I don’t know any more than that, more than what you read in the papers. My campaign has nothing to do with this new political party.”