Pete Ricketts sworn in as 100th U.S. senator after Ben Sasse retirement

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Former Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts was sworn into the U.S. Senate on Monday to take the place of former Sen. Ben Sasse, who retired last year.

Ricketts, a Republican, will serve for two years before a special Senate election is held in 2024. An election for a full six-year Senate term would be held in 2026. He was appointed last year by Republican Gov. Jim Pillen.

"I’m very grateful for this unexpected opportunity to continue to serve the people of Nebraska," Ricketts said at a press conference at the time of his appointment.

Former Republican Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts was sworn in Monday to fill the Senate seat vacated by Ben Sasse. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

NEBRASKA GOV. PILLEN APPOINTS FORMER GOV. PETE RICKETTS TO SENATE SEAT VACATED BY REPUBLICAN BEN SASSE

Pillen said 111 people applied for the vacant seat, of which they interviewed nine. But Pillen said it was clear that Ricketts was the best person for the job.

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Sen. Pete Rickets of Nebraska (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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Ricketts helped Pillen, a veterinarian and hog farmer, win his party's nomination last year after a contentious primary race featuring several candidates, including one endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Former Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts speaks to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). (Getty)

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Sasse left the Senate two years into his second term to become the president of the University of Florida.

Fox News Digital's Steven Sorace contributed to this report.