Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) is only voting for one Nebraska Democrat this year: his wife.
Susanne Shore is running for an Omaha seat on the University of Nebraska system’s Board of Regents. She entered the relatively unknown race on Thursday with her husband’s express support.
While they may disagree on politics, Ricketts and Shore both recognize the importance of keeping higher education in Nebraska affordable and accessible.
“Her deep love for Nebraska is clear,” Ricketts told the Nebraska Examiner. “I usually vote straight Republican, but Susanne will be my one Democrat exception in 2026!”
Shore is leaning on her husband for guidance as she has not run for office herself before this week.
“He’s told me what it’s like to run for office, and I’ve seen it firsthand,” Shore said. “It does feel different to be on this side, but so far it’s been amazing.”
She added that Ricketts has been “nothing but supportive” of her.
Shore has been a proud donor to Democratic candidates up and down the ballot, even when Ricketts served as governor of Nebraska for eight years before he arrived in the Senate. The Republican senator also contributes money to candidates in his own party.
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Despite their partisan differences, the two make their marriage work.
“There’s lots of discussion, but it’s always respectful,” Shore told the Nebraska Examiner. “We always listen as much as we speak.”