Republican Senator Pete Ricketts has publicly endorsed his wife, Susanne Shore, a Democrat, for a position on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Ricketts declared that Shore would be his “one Democrat exception” as he typically votes straight Republican. This endorsement marks a notable intersection of their differing political affiliations, as the couple has maintained a supportive relationship throughout their 28 years of marriage.
Shore is vying for a seat on the board, which plays a crucial role in policymaking and oversight for public universities and colleges in Nebraska. Her campaign aims to address challenges faced by the university and enhance access to higher education for all students. “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, referencing her previous experience as Nebraska’s first lady and her role at the University of South Dakota.
Ricketts, who served as governor of Nebraska from 2015 to 2023, expressed confidence in his wife’s candidacy. He noted her “deep love” for the state, emphasizing that she would be “an outstanding voice” for the university. The couple’s political journey has been characterized by their contrasting views and support for opposing candidates, even during Ricketts’ tenure as governor.
Shore’s entry into the race comes in the wake of former Regent Elizabeth O’Connor stepping down in January after facing felony charges for driving under the influence, which resulted in a serious crash. O’Connor’s resignation occurred shortly before Rodney Bennett, the university’s chancellor, also left his position following a no-confidence vote from faculty over controversial budget cuts.
With Shore joining the race, she faces competition from at least four other Democratic candidates. The primary election for the University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents is scheduled for May 12, 2024. As she pursues her political ambitions, Ricketts is also focused on his re-election efforts. He was appointed to the Senate in 2022 following the resignation of former Senator Ben Sasse and subsequently won a special election in 2024, defeating his Democratic opponent by approximately 25 percentage points.
The endorsement reflects a unique blend of political dynamics within the Ricketts-Shore household, showcasing how personal relationships can transcend partisan divides. Shore’s commitment to improving higher education remains a central theme of her campaign, as she seeks to bring her insights and experience to the Board of Regents.
