Ricketts calls Senate appointment 'unexpected' opportunity

LINCOLN, NE –  Gov. Jim Pillen announced Thursday that former governor Pete Ricketts will be appointed as Nebraska's next U.S. Senator.

Governor Pillen and Senator-designate Ricketts were joined by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, State Treasurer John Murante, and 30 state senators.

Pillen noted Ricketts hard work and positive leadership in his appointment. He received 111 applications to fill the seat vacated by Ben Sasse.

In a press release from the governor’s office, Ricketts called the appointment an unexpected opportunity to continue serving the people of Nebraska. He said it’s important to advance Nebraska’s conservative values in Congress.