Pete Ricketts’ House (Omaha, NE)

Pete Ricketts is an American businessman and politician who currently serves as the junior United States senator from Nebraska. Born on August 19, 1964, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, Ricketts is the eldest son of Joe Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade, and Marlene Ricketts. Alongside his siblings Tom, Laura, and Todd, Pete Ricketts has become a prominent figure in both the world of business and politics.

After graduating from Westside High School in Omaha in 1982, Ricketts pursued higher education at the University of Chicago. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology and later went on to obtain an M.B.A. in marketing and finance.

Following his formal education, Ricketts returned to Omaha and worked for Union Pacific Railroad before joining his family's business, which would eventually become known as Ameritrade. He took on various leadership roles within the company, including Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Senior Vice President of Product Development, Senior Vice President of Marketing, President, and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Beyond his involvement in Ameritrade, Ricketts co-founded Drakon, LLC, a company supporting Nebraska's entrepreneurs and startup ventures. Additionally, he served as a board member of TD Ameritrade's Board of Directors and the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

In 2015, Ricketts ventured into the world of politics and was sworn in as Nebraska's 40th Governor. He was subsequently reelected to a second term in 2018, during which he prioritized improving services for the people of Nebraska. Ricketts worked alongside lawmakers to deliver substantial tax relief, amounting to over $12.7 billion, with a focus on reducing property taxes, eliminating state taxes on veterans' retirement income, and Social Security benefits.

As governor, Ricketts also implemented measures to stimulate workforce development, streamlined regulations to create a business-friendly environment, and played an active role in expanding international markets for Nebraska's agricultural industries. Under his leadership, Nebraska earned the Governor's Cup for the most economic development projects per capita for three consecutive years between 2016 and 2018.

In 2023, Ricketts transitioned into the United States Senate when he was appointed as Nebraska's junior senator following Ben Sasse's resignation. Ricketts has made commitments to continue serving Nebraskans and is running in the 2024 special election to complete the remaining two years of Sasse's term.

Throughout his career in both business and politics, Ricketts has been an advocate for conservative values and economic growth. He has held leadership positions in various organizations, including the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts, the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation, and the Opportunity Education Foundation.

Pete Ricketts is married to Susanne Shore, and together they have three children: Roscoe, Margot, and Eleanor. As a Roman Catholic, Ricketts is involved in the Knights of Columbus and serves as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. He and his family attend St. Margaret Mary's church, and Ricketts remains dedicated to serving both his community and the people of Nebraska.