Nebraska U-S Senator Deb Fischer, a Valentine-area rancher, says she will not run for governor next year when fellow Republican Pete Ricketts leaves office under term limits. Fischer’s current term as senator runs through 2024.
Fischer made her announcement Thursday on KFAB Radio, a week after she said in an interview that she was considering a bid for governor and was “in no hurry” to make a decision.
While thanking those who encouraged her to run for governor, Fischer said the Senate is where she wants to be – adding that “I love the work I do; I am a legislator, I am a policymaker.
Her decision also ends speculation that she might essentially switch jobs with Ricketts, appointing him as her successor in the Senate if she were to be elected governor.
The race to succeed Ricketts is currently wide open. 2nd District Congressman Don Bacon of Omaha said 2 weeks ago he’s not running and the only declared candidates are agri-businessman Charles Herbster of Falls City and State Senator Brett Lindstrom of Omaha.
Whoever wins the Republican nomination will be the overwhelming favorite in the governor’s race because the Democrats hold no statewide offices and have no one with statewide name familiarity.