2024 United States Senate special election in Nebraska

Last updated

2024 United States Senate special election in Nebraska
Flag of Nebraska.svg
←  2020 November 5, 2024 2026  →
  Sen. Pete Ricketts official portrait, 118th Congress (cropped).jpg Preston Love Jr., 2020.jpg
Nominee Pete Ricketts Preston Love Jr.
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote585,103349,902
Percentage62.58%37.42%
2024 United States Senate special election in Nebraska results map by county.svg
County results
Ricketts:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Love:     50–60%
U.S. senator before election

Pete Ricketts [a]
Republican

Elected U.S. senator

Pete Ricketts
Republican

The 2024 United States Senate special election in Nebraska was held on November 5, 2024, to elect the Class 2 member of the United States Senate from Nebraska, to complete the term of Ben Sasse, who resigned on January 8, 2023, to become the president of the University of Florida. [1] On January 12, 2023, Governor Jim Pillen appointed Republican former governor Pete Ricketts to fill the seat until the election. [2] Ricketts won the special election, defeating Democratic nominee Preston Love Jr. with about 63% of the vote. This was the first time since 1954 where both of Nebraska's U.S. Senate seats were concurrently up for election. Primary elections took place on May 14, 2024. [3]

Contents

Ricketts outperformed other Republicans who faced contested statewide elections in this cycle.

Appointment

Republican Pete Ricketts, former governor of Nebraska (2015–2023) and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2006, was appointed on January 12, 2023. [2]

Applied to be appointed

In total, 111 individuals submitted applications for Sasse's seat, and nine candidates were interviewed by Pillen. [4] Applicants included:

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Eliminated in primary

Endorsements

John Glen Weaver
Political parties

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of April 24, 2024
CandidateRaisedSpentCash on hand
Pete Ricketts (R)$3,507,567$2,076,443$1,431,125
John Glen Weaver (R)$52,789$36,280$16,509
Source: Federal Election Commission [16]

Results

Results by county: .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} Ricketts 60-70% 70-80% 80-90% >90% 2024 United States Senate special Republican primary election in Nebraska results map by county.svg
Results by county:
  Ricketts
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
Republican primary results [17]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Pete Ricketts (incumbent) 173,118 78.94%
Republican John Glen Weaver32,52914.83%
Republican Mac Stevens13,6696.23%
Total votes219,316 100.0%

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

Declined

Endorsements

Preston Love Jr.
State legislators
Party officials
Labor unions

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of April 24, 2024
CandidateRaisedSpentCash on hand
Preston Love Jr. (D)$127,850$119,254$8,595
Source: Federal Election Commission [16]

Results

Democratic primary results [17]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Preston Love Jr. 85,114 100.0%
Total votes85,114 100.0%

General election

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [22] Solid RNovember 9, 2023
Inside Elections [23] Solid RNovember 9, 2023
Sabato's Crystal Ball [24] Safe RNovember 9, 2023
Decision Desk HQ/The Hill [25] Safe RJune 8, 2024
Elections Daily [26] Safe RMay 4, 2023
CNalysis [27] Solid RNovember 21, 2023
Split Ticket [28] Safe ROctober 23, 2024
538 [29] Solid ROctober 23, 2024

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of June 30, 2024
CandidateRaisedSpentCash on hand
Pete Ricketts (R)$4,294,715$2,586,199$1,708,516
Preston Love Jr. (D)$164,288 [b] $157,747$6,542
Source: Federal Election Commission [16]

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Pete
Ricketts (R)		Preston
Love Jr. (D)		Undecided
Economist/YouGov October 21–28, 20241,202 (LV)± 3.5%54%36%7%
NYT/Siena College October 23–26, 20241,194 (LV)± 3.2%56%38%6%
1,194 (RV)± 3.1%56%37%7%
SurveyUSA [A] October 9–12, 2024563 (LV)± 4.7%53%37%9%
SurveyUSA [A] September 20–23, 2024558 (LV)± 4.8%53%35%12%
SurveyUSA [B] August 23–27, 20241,293 (RV)± 3.6%50%33%16%

Results

United States Senate special election in Nebraska, 2024 [30]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Pete Ricketts (incumbent) 585,103 62.58% −0.16%
Democratic Preston Love Jr. 349,90237.42%+12.99%
Total votes935,005 100.00% N/A

By congressional district

Ricketts won all 3 congressional districts. [31]

DistrictRickettsLove Jr.Representative
1st 59%41% Mike Flood
2nd 50.4%49.6% Don Bacon
3rd 79%21% Adrian Smith

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ In January 2023, Ricketts was appointed by Governor Jim Pillen to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Ben Sasse, who had become the president of University of Florida.
  2. ↑ $58,832 of this total was self-funded by Love Jr.
  3. ↑ Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear

Partisan clients

  1. 1 2 Poll sponsored by the campaign of Dan Osborn, an independent candidate for Nebraska's other Senate seat
  2. ↑ Poll sponsored by Split Ticket

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pete Ricketts</span> American politician (born 1964)

John Peter Ricketts is an American businessman and politician serving as the junior United States senator from Nebraska since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 40th governor of Nebraska from 2015 to 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nebraska's 2nd congressional district</span> U.S. House district for Nebraska

Nebraska's 2nd congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Nebraska that encompasses the core of the Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area. It includes all of Douglas County, which includes the state's largest city Omaha; it also includes Saunders County and areas of western Sarpy County. It has been represented in the United States House of Representatives since 2017 by Don Bacon, a member of the Republican Party. It was one of 18 districts that would have voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election had they existed in their current configuration while being won or held by a Republican in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 United States Senate election in Nebraska</span>

The 2014 United States Senate election in Nebraska took place on November 4, 2014. Incumbent Republican Senator Mike Johanns did not run for re-election to a second term. Republican nominee Ben Sasse defeated Democratic nominee David Domina to succeed him.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Sasse</span> American academic administrator and politician (born 1972)

Benjamin Eric Sasse is an American politician and former academic administrator who represented Nebraska in the United States Senate from 2015 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he also served as the president of the University of Florida from 2023 to 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Nebraska elections</span>

A general election was held in the U.S. state of Nebraska on November 4, 2014. All of Nebraska's executive officers were up for election as well as a United States Senate seat, and all of Nebraska's three seats in the United States House of Representatives. Primary elections were held on May 13, 2014, for offices that require them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska</span>

The 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska were held on November 8, 2016, to elect the three U.S. representatives from the state of Nebraska, one from each of the state's three congressional districts. The elections coincided with the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as other elections to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate and various state and local elections. The primaries were held on May 10.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don Bacon</span> American politician (born 1963)

Donald John Bacon is an American politician and retired military officer serving as the U.S. representative for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district since 2017. Before holding public office, he was a United States Air Force officer, retiring as brigadier general with time as wing commander at Ramstein Air Base, Germany and Offutt Air Force Base south of Omaha, Nebraska, prior to his retirement from the military in 2014. His district includes all of Omaha and the areas surrounding the Offutt base.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Nebraska gubernatorial election</span>

The 2018 Nebraska gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 2018, to elect the governor of Nebraska, concurrently with the election of Nebraska's Class I U.S. Senate seat, as well as other elections to the United States Senate in other states, elections to the United States House of Representatives, and various Nebraska and local elections. Incumbent Republican governor Pete Ricketts won re-election to a second term.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 United States Senate election in Nebraska</span>

The 2020 United States Senate election in Nebraska was held on November 3, 2020, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the State of Nebraska, concurrently with the 2020 U.S. presidential election, as well as other elections to the United States Senate, elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska</span>

The 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska was held on November 3, 2020, to elect the three U.S. representatives from the state of Nebraska, one from each of the state's three congressional districts. The elections coincided with the 2020 U.S. presidential election, as well as other elections to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate and various state and local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Nebraska gubernatorial election</span>

The 2022 Nebraska gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 2022, to elect the next governor of Nebraska. Incumbent Republican governor Pete Ricketts was term-limited and unable to seek a third term. In the general election, Republican Jim Pillen won the gubernatorial election by a 23-point margin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 United States Senate election in Nebraska</span>

The 2024 United States Senate election in Nebraska was held on November 5, 2024, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of Nebraska. Republican incumbent Deb Fischer was re-elected to a third term, defeating independent union leader Dan Osborn. This was the first time since 1954 when both of Nebraska's U.S. Senate seats were concurrently up for election due to a special election for Nebraska's other Senate seat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Theresa Thibodeau</span> American politician from Nebraska

Theresa Thibodeau is an American politician who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from 2017 to 2019. In November 2021, Thibodeau entered the Republican primary for Governor of Nebraska.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Preston Love Jr.</span> American politician and activist

Preston Love Jr. is an American politician, professor, author and activist who served as Jesse Jackson's campaign manager during the 1984 Democratic primaries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2026 United States Senate elections</span>

The 2026 United States Senate elections are scheduled to be held on November 3, 2026, with 33 of the 100 seats in the Senate being contested in regular elections, the winners of which will serve six-year terms in the United States Congress from January 3, 2027, to January 3, 2033. Senators are divided into three groups, or classes, whose terms are staggered so that a different class is elected every two years. Class 2 senators were last elected in 2020, and will be up for election in this cycle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Pillen</span> Governor of Nebraska since 2023

James Douglas Pillen is an American politician, veterinarian and livestock producer serving as the 41st and current governor of Nebraska since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Pillen served on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents from 2013 to 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 United States presidential election in Nebraska</span>

The 2024 United States presidential election in Nebraska took place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, as part of the 2024 United States presidential election in which all 50 states and the District of Columbia participated. Nebraska voters chose electors to represent them in the Electoral College via a popular vote. Nebraska has five electoral votes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska</span>

The 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska were held on November 8, 2022, to elect the three U.S. representatives from the state of Nebraska, one from each of the state's three congressional districts. The elections coincided with the Nebraska gubernatorial election, as well as other elections to the U.S. House of Representatives, elections to the U.S. Senate, and various state and local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska</span>

The 2024 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska were held on November 5, 2024, to elect the three U.S. representatives from the State of Nebraska, one from each of the state's congressional districts. The elections coincided with the 2024 U.S. presidential election, as well as other elections to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate, and various state and local elections. The Primary elections were held on May 14, 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Nebraska Legislature election</span>

The 2024 Nebraska State Legislature elections took place as part of the biennial United States elections. Nebraska voters elected state senators for the 25 odd-numbered seats of the 49 legislative districts in the Nebraska Unicameral. State senators serve four-year terms in the Nebraska Legislature. All elections are technically non-partisan in the State Legislature; therefore, any parties listed are from candidates' websites and official party endorsement lists. Candidates all appear on the ballot as nonpartisan. Senators are limited to two consecutive terms, after which they must wait four years before running again.

References

  1. 1 2 Hammel, Paul (December 5, 2022). "Ben Sasse makes it official, will resign U.S. Senate seat Jan. 8". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  2. 1 2 Bradner, Eric (January 12, 2023). "Nebraska Gov. Pillen appoints Pete Ricketts to Sasse's Senate seat". CNN .
  3. ↑ "2024 State Primary Election Dates". www.ncsl.org. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 Stoddard, Martha; Bamer, Erin (January 12, 2023). "Pillen appoints former Gov. Pete Ricketts to U.S. Senate". Omaha World-Herald . Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  5. ↑ Hammel, Paul (December 12, 2022). "Democrat Ann Ashford is among applicants to fill vacancy in U.S. Senate". Nebraska Examiner . Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Sanderford, Aaron (January 10, 2023). "Ricketts, Lindstrom, Dinsdale, Slone, Ashford among Nebraska U.S. Senate applicants". Nebraska Examiner . Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  7. ↑ Mastre, Brian (December 15, 2022). "Nebraska Senate candidates feeling optimistic as Pillen mulls appointment". WOWT . Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  8. ↑ KRVN News (December 7, 2022). "West-central Nebraska journalist applies for U.S. Senate seat". KRVN . Retrieved December 30, 2022.
  9. ↑ Everett, Burgess (January 12, 2023). "Ricketts tapped to fill Nebraska's open Senate seat". Politico . Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Nebraska Statewide Candidate List". Nebraska Secretary of State. January 5, 2024.
  11. ↑ "Lt. Col. (ret.) John Glen Weaver running for Nebraska's open Class II U.S. Senate seat". Nebraska Television Network . February 6, 2023. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  12. ↑ Emilee (July 19, 2023). "Americans for Prosperity Action Announces First Wave of Endorsements in 2024 U.S. Senate Races". Americans for Prosperity Action. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  13. ↑ NRA-PVF. "NRA-PVF | Grades | Nebraska". NRA-PVF. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  14. ↑ "Ricketts Endorsed by Nebraska Farm Bureau". KRVN . February 17, 2024. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  15. ↑ Sanderford, Aaron (January 27, 2024). "Nebraska GOP fight with delegation spills over into its endorsements". Nebraska Examiner . Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  16. 1 2 3 "2024 Election United States Senate - Nebraska". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission . Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  17. 1 2 "Official Results: Primary Election - May 14, 2024" (PDF). Secretary of State of Nebraska . Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  18. ↑ Sanderford, Aaron (January 11, 2023). "Democrat Preston Love, a North Omaha advocate, to run for U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts' seat". Nebraska Examiner . Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  19. ↑ Sanderford, Aaron (July 14, 2023). "Democrat Paul Theobald decides not to challenge Sen. Pete Ricketts; Republican Herbster still mulling his options". Nebraska Examiner . Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  20. 1 2 Beck, Margery A. (January 17, 2024). "Nebraska Democrats back Omaha activist Preston Love Jr. to challenge Ricketts for US Senate seat". Midland Daily News . Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  21. ↑ "Our Recommended Candidates". Education Votes. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  22. ↑ "2024 Senate Race ratings". The Cook Political Report . Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  24. ↑ "2024 Senate". Sabato's Crystal Ball. January 24, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  25. ↑ "2024 Senate prediction map". elections2024.thehill.com/. The Hill. June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  26. ↑ "Election Ratings". Elections Daily . August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  27. ↑ "'24 Senate Forecast". CNalysis . Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  28. ↑ "2024 Senate Forecast". Split Ticket. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  29. ↑ "2024 Election Forecast". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  30. ↑ "Official Results" (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  31. ↑ https://x.com/TheDrewSav/status/1856457586045796636
Official campaign websites
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.