Who Is Pete Ricketts? Age, Biography and Wiki
Pete Ricketts, born on August 19, 1964, is an influential American politician and businessman known for serving as the 40th Governor of Nebraska. With his extensive background in business and public service, Ricketts has shaped the political landscape in Nebraska since taking office in 2015. In 2025, Ricketts continues to be a prominent figure in state politics, advocating for policies aimed at enhancing the economy, education, and healthcare.
| Occupation | Business Executive |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1964 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Birth Place | Nebraska City, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Pete Ricketts's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Pete Ricketts is reported to stand approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. While his exact weight is not publicly disclosed, Ricketts maintains a healthy lifestyle, which is evident in his public appearances and active demeanor.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Pete Ricketts is married to Susanne Ricketts. The couple has three children: a son and two daughters. As a tight-knit family, they often support one another in their endeavors, reflecting strong family values that Ricketts promotes in his political career. In 2025, there are no reports of any significant changes in his family life or relationship status, solidifying the family's stability.
After completing graduate school, Ricketts returned to Omaha. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for a year, then as a salesman for a Chicago environmental consultant.
In 1993, he went to work for his father's business, initially in the call center for a few months, and subsequently appointed by his father to a number of executive positions, ultimately becoming the company's chief operating officer during his father's tenure as CEO. In a 2006 report, he stated his net worth at between $45million and $50million.
In 1997, Ricketts married Susanne Shore. A native of Garden City, Kansas, Shore grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and earned a bachelor's degree in English and then an MBA from Oklahoma State University.
After a stint working for the dean of students at the University of South Dakota, she came to Omaha to complete a one-year course in nursing at Creighton University. At the time of her marriage to Ricketts, she was working as a nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital in Omaha. Ricketts and Shore have three children.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Pete Ricketts’ net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. His income is derived from a combination of his salary as governor and his previous investments in the family’s business, Ricketts Group, which focuses on various sectors including agriculture and healthcare. His financial acumen has contributed to his wealth significantly, making him one of the more affluent politicians in the state.
Ricketts won the May 2014 primary with 26.6% of the vote to Bruning's 25.5%, McCoy's 20.9%, Foley's 19.2%, Carlson's 4.1%, and Omaha attorney Bryan Slone's 3.7%. In the general election, Ricketts faced Chuck Hassebrook, who had run unopposed for the Democratic nomination.
Hassebrook was a former member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, and former director of the Center for Rural Affairs, which calls itself "a leading nonprofit organization with a national reputation for progressive rural advocacy and policy work".
Ricketts advocated tax reductions; Hassebrook argued that Ricketts's proposed cuts would primarily benefit the rich and deprive the state of funds for what he called needed public services.
Ricketts opposed the proposed expansion of Medicaid under the provisions of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Hassebrook favored the expansion. Ricketts opposed an increase in the state's minimum wage; Hassebrook supported it.
Career, Business and Investments
Before entering politics, Pete Ricketts built a successful career in the private sector, where he gained experience in business and leadership. As Governor, his focus areas include economic development, tax reform, and healthcare improvement. He has been instrumental in fostering a business-friendly environment in Nebraska, attracting both new startups and established companies to the region.
In addition to his political role, Ricketts has actively engaged in philanthropy and community service, founding initiatives that aim to support education and community health. His vision and policies continue to drive Nebraska towards a prosperous future.
Ricketts is the eldest son of Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade. He is also, with other family members, a part owner of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs. Ricketts unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 2006, losing to incumbent Ben Nelson.
He ran for governor of Nebraska in 2014, and after narrowly winning the six-way Republican primary, defeated Democratic Party nominee Chuck Hassebrook, 57% to 39%. He was reelected in 2018, defeating Democratic nominee Bob Krist, 59% to 41%. As governor, Ricketts approved various budgets and tax cuts.
He was also a firm supporter of capital punishment, and in 2018 the state carried out its first execution since 1997.
Social Network
Pete Ricketts is active on various social media platforms, allowing him to connect with constituents and the public directly. You can follow him on:
- Twitter: @PeteRicketts
- Facebook: Pete Ricketts
- Instagram: @GovernorRicketts
Ricketts received some high-profile campaign assistance, most notably from President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. Bush appeared at a campaign rally for Ricketts on November 5, 2006, just days before the election, in Grand Island, Nebraska.
Education
Pete Ricketts attended Benedictine College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He later pursued a graduate education at the University of Chicago, obtaining an MBA. Ricketts’ educational background has provided him with the foundational skills necessary for his careers in business and politics.
Ricketts left office after his second term as governor expired on January 5, 2023; a week later he was appointed to the U.S. Senate by his gubernatorial successor, Jim Pillen, to fill the vacancy created when Ben Sasse resigned to become president of the University of Florida.
He was elected to complete Sasse's term in the 2024 special election, defeating Democratic nominee Preston Love Jr., 63% to 37%. Ricketts has announced he intends to seek a full Senate term in 2026.
