Pete Ricketts

In the 2024 Senate race for NE Senate seat, Pete Ricketts (R) defeated Preston Love Jr. (D) 62.6% to 37.4%. Pete Ricketts received 585,103 votes compared to 349,902 for Preston Love Jr., a dominant 25.2-point margin reflecting a safely partisan district.

This was an open-seat race with no incumbent running — Ben Sasse (R) previously held the seat. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. The 2024 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket. The wide margin suggests this district is firmly in the Republican column for the foreseeable future.