Sasse may give up his Senate seat to become the president of the University of Florida

U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska has been selected as the sole finalist for the University of Florida’s presidency, according to a news release from the school on Thursday. If he is awarded the post, he will likely resign from his current role.

The Republican will visit University of Florida's campus next Monday, Oct. 10 and go through another round of interviews. A decision would be made by the school after a Nov. 1 interview with Sasse, according to the release.

“The University of Florida is the most interesting university in America right now,” Sasse said in a statement. “It’s the most important institution in the nation’s most economically dynamic state — and its board, faculty and graduates are uniquely positioned to lead this country through an era of disruption. The caliber of teaching and research at UF is unmistakable, carried out through the core principles of shared governance and academic freedom. I’m thrilled about the opportunity to work alongside one of the nation’s most outstanding faculties.”

First elected in 2014 and reelected in 2020, the Nebraska Republican previously served as the president of Midland University, a small Lutheran school in Fremont.

The Nebraskan is known for his relatively conservative voting record but for also his willingness to break ranks with mainstream Republicans – like being one of seven GOP members to vote in favor of impeaching Donald Trump after Jan. 6.

If Sasse resigns from the Senate, Nebraska’s governor would appoint a replacement. The term runs through 2026, so Sasse's successor would serve until 2024 when a special election would take place for the remaining two years of the term, according to the Nebraska's Secretary of State's office.

Reacting to the news, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said: "I appreciate Senator Sasse's service to our state and nation. He would make an excellent president for the University of Florida. He has one of the most conservative voting records in the Senate, and we need more conservative voices in our universities. Sen. Sasse is also incredibly smart and has the experience and a clear passion for higher education. I wish him luck as the University of Florida makes their consideration."

Asked if Ricketts, whose term expires in January, would consider appointing himself as a replacement, gubernatorial spokesperson Alex Reuss said there's no point in speculating, noting that Sasse is still a sitting U.S. senator and several things would have to happen before that question could be confronted.