NORFOLK, Neb. -- After launching his statewide campaign tour Wednesday morning, Sen. Pete Ricketts traveled to Stefan Field Hangar in Norfolk.

Ricketts stopped in four cities on Wednesday: North Platte, Kearney, Norfolk, and Omaha.

After being appointed by Gov. Jim Pillen to fill Former Sen. Ben Sasse’s position in January, Ricketts spends most of his time in the U.S. capital. 

“If there’s a challenge, it’s that I have to spend half of my time in D.C.," Ricketts said. "When I’m back here in Nebraska, I’m going to be working hard to get out and talk to people so I can stay in touch with what people are concerned about.”

Ricketts said his campaign is centered around “Nebraskan values.”

“We’re talking about the issues that we've got to have the courage to tackle," Ricketts said. "Whether it’s our out-of-control spending that’s leading to inflation, our crisis at the southern border, or pushing back at the bureaucrats who think they know better than we do.”

Ricketts was joined in speaking to the public by Nebraska Legislative Sen. Robert Dover with Sen. Joni Albrecht in attendance.

Ricketts said he plans to run for the 2024 special election as well as the full term in the 2026 election.

During questioning, Ricketts said his focus is on his campaign, but he will tune in to the first Republican presidential debate Wednesday night.

After Norfolk, Ricketts ends his statewide tour in Omaha on Wednesday evening.