LINCOLN- Paul Theobald, a Nebraska Democrat and former dean of Education at Wayne State College who considered a 2024 bid for the Senate seat held by former-Gov. Pete Ricketts, announced on Friday that he had decided not to run, despite filing paperwork in June that signaled his intent to build his campaign. Asked why, Theobald said, "It's nothing in particular...just kind of a confluence of forces. It just felt like it's too big of a job."

Thus far, Ricketts faces only one challenger for the seat, Republican John Glen Weaver, who lost a primary election challenge last year against Rep. Mike Flood for the 1st Congressional District Seat. Despite dropping out, Theobald wished Nebraska Democrats luck in finding a solid candidate, adding that he believes Ricketts is vulnerable. "Obviously, we're talking about a guy who tried to buy his own Legislature," said Theobald, "so I don't think he should be able to buy his own Senate seat."

Former GOP gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster said he is still considering whether or not to challenge Ricketts for the seat, saying that Ricketts was the reason for his loss to Gov. Jim Pillen last year. A Herbster staffer confirmed that the former gubernatorial candidate is still mulling his options, and is particularly focused on helping former President Donald Trump's 2024 bid. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said her party is still looking for solid candidates to challenge Sens. Ricketts and Fischer.

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