John Peter Ricketts is an American businessman and politician serving as Nebraska’s junior United States senator since 2023. A Republican, he previously served two terms as Nebraska’s governor (2015–2023).
Ricketts is the eldest son of Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade, and is part of the family ownership group of MLB’s Chicago Cubs. Before politics, he worked in business and helped lead conservative policy advocacy in Nebraska through free-market-aligned institutions.
As governor, Ricketts emphasized tax relief, restrained budget growth, cultural conservatism, and a pro-agriculture/pro-energy agenda. He supported capital punishment (including backing a statewide referendum to retain it) and opposed many expansions of the social safety net, framing his approach as “limited government” and “local control.”
In the Senate, he has carried those themes into national politics: opposing what he calls federal overreach, pushing harder border enforcement, aligning closely with conservative social priorities, and emphasizing a hawkish posture on geopolitical rivals while strongly supporting U.S.-Israel ties.
Mainstream Conservative
Committee Assignments
Caucus Memberships
Achievements
- Implemented major state tax relief packages and enforced tight budget growth targets as governor.
- Championed agricultural exports, ethanol, and pro-farmer regulatory positions central to Nebraska’s economy.
- Advanced workforce development initiatives and trade-focused messaging aimed at growing rural and small-city job pipelines.
- Strong supporter of law enforcement and tougher border security proposals.
- Backed pipeline and energy infrastructure priorities framed as energy independence.
Controversies
- Criticized for resisting Medicaid expansion and opposing broader safety-net expansions, especially during his governorship.
- Pandemic-era messaging and resistance to certain mitigation measures drew backlash from public-health advocates.
- Strong opposition to federal environmental and climate mandates, including aggressive rhetoric against “radical” climate goals.
- Hardline immigration and culture-war positioning viewed by critics as polarizing.
- Accused by opponents of governing primarily for donors, landowners, and industry interests over urban/public services.
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $218,644 | $208,644 | $10,000 |
| Union Pacific Corp | $50,250 | $40,250 | $10,000 |
| Marquis Energy | $42,900 | $39,600 | $3,300 |
| Cox Enterprises | $34,000 | $24,000 | $10,000 |
| Poet LLC | $29,200 | $19,200 | $10,000 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2024 Margin R +25%