He is a favorite to keep the state in the GOP column in the general election. Ricketts wins Nebraska gov. primary

Businessman Pete Ricketts, son of Republican billionaire donor Joe Ricketts, has narrowly won the six-way Republican primary for governor of Nebraska. He spent Tuesday night locked in a tight race with state attorney general Jon Bruning, who was the pick of outgoing GOP Gov. Dave Heineman.

Ricketts had 26.3 percent of the vote with 92 percent of precincts reporting, followed by Bruning with 25.6 percent. Even before the Associated Press called the race, Bruning announced late Tuesday night that he had called Ricketts to concede.


Ricketts had the support of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who came to Nebraska and campaigned with him last week, as well as Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

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State Sen. Beau McCoy finished third, with 21 percent, followed closely by state Auditor Mike Foley with 19 percent. Two other candidates both earned less than 5 percent of the vote.

Ricketts will be a heavy favorite to keep the state in the GOP column in the general election against Democrat Chuck Hassebrook, who ran unopposed for his party’s nomination.

— Steven Shepard contributed to this report.

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Pete Ricketts