Ben Sasse Then and Now

Ben Sasse Then

Ben Sasse, born on February 22, 1972, in Plainview, Nebraska, is a prominent figure in American politics and academia. 

He is the son of Gary Lynn Sasse, a high school teacher and football coach, and Linda Sasse. 

Growing up in a supportive and educational environment, Sasse demonstrated academic excellence from an early age. 

He graduated as valedictorian from Fremont Senior High School in 1990, setting the stage for a successful educational journey.

Sasse’s academic career took off at Harvard College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in government in 1994. 

His educational pursuits continued with a unique experience at the University of Oxford during a junior year abroad program in the fall of 1992. 

This international exposure enriched his understanding of political systems and cultures. 

After completing his undergraduate studies, Sasse pursued further education, earning a Master of Arts in liberal studies from the Graduate Institute at St. John’s College in 1998. 

His academic journey culminated at Yale University, where he obtained a Master of Arts, a Master of Philosophy, and a PhD in history in 2004. 

His doctoral dissertation, titled “The Anti-Madalyn Majority: Secular Left, Religious Right, and the Rise of Reagan’s America,” explored the complex interactions between political and religious movements in the United States during the late 20th century. 

Directed by esteemed scholars Jon Butler and Harry Stout, this work received notable recognition, including the Theron Rockwell Field Prize and the George Washington Egleston Prize.

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In addition to his academic achievements, Sasse was honored as a Harvey Fellow by The Mustard Seed Foundation in 2000. 

This fellowship reflects his commitment to combining academic rigor with a passion for public service. 

Sasse’s multifaceted educational background, characterized by both depth and diversity, has equipped him with a nuanced understanding of American politics and history, influencing his subsequent career as a political leader and commentator.

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Ben Sasse Political Career

Ben Sasse’s political career took off when he announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in October 2013, following Republican Mike Johanns’ decision not to seek reelection. 

Sasse quickly garnered significant financial support, raising nearly $815,000 from individual donors in his first quarter, breaking Nebraska’s previous fundraising record. 

His early fundraising success highlighted his appeal among Republican constituents and laid a solid foundation for his campaign.

During his campaign, Sasse positioned himself as a staunch opponent of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which became a focal point of contention with his primary rival, former state Treasurer Shane Osborn. 

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Osborn’s campaign sought to challenge Sasse’s conservative credentials by citing past statements that appeared to suggest a more moderate stance on healthcare reform. 

In response, Sasse defended his position, asserting that his previous comments were descriptive of the political landscape rather than endorsements of the ACA. 

He consistently emphasized his long-standing belief that the ACA was detrimental, reinforcing his image as a committed conservative candidate.

On May 13, 2014, Sasse won the Republican nomination decisively, claiming victory in 92 of 93 counties and receiving nearly half of the total votes cast. 

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This strong showing reflected his solid support within the party and paved the way for his subsequent victory in the general election. 

On November 4, 2014, Sasse defeated Democratic nominee David Domina with a commanding 64.4% of the vote, marking his official entry into the U.S. Senate on January 6, 2015.

Throughout his Senate tenure, Sasse has often taken positions that align with traditional conservative values. 

In 2019, he was one of the senators who voted against legislation that would have provided funding for barriers along the U.S.–Mexico border, reflecting his belief in limiting government intervention. 

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He also cosponsored a resolution to impose a constitutional amendment to limit the Supreme Court to nine justices, in response to discussions around court-packing from Democratic presidential candidates.

Sasse’s political identity faced a significant test during the tumultuous events surrounding the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. 

While participating in the certification of the Electoral College vote, he publicly held former President Trump responsible for inciting the violence. 

Sasse condemned Trump’s actions and expressed openness to considering articles of impeachment, stating that Trump had disregarded his oath of office. 

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He ultimately voted to convict Trump during the former president’s second impeachment trial, showcasing his willingness to break from party lines when he believed principle was at stake.

In the 2020 election, Sasse successfully defended his Senate seat against Democratic challengers, receiving 62.7% of the vote. 

His political career has been marked by a blend of traditional conservatism and a willingness to take principled stands, positioning him as a notable figure within the Republican Party.

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Ben Sasse’s Wife and Children

Ben Sasse and his wife, Melissa Sasse, have embraced a family-oriented lifestyle that reflects their values and priorities. 

At the time of his tenure at the University of Florida, the Sasse family lived in the Dasburg House on campus, indicating a close connection to the academic community. 

Prior to this, they resided in Fremont, Nebraska, where they raised their three children. 

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Sasse and his wife chose to homeschool their children, a decision that underscores their commitment to personalized education and parental involvement in their children’s learning experiences. 

This choice not only reflects their values regarding education but also allows them to integrate their family life with Sasse’s professional responsibilities. 

The Sasse family’s living arrangements and educational choices exemplify their focus on creating a nurturing environment that aligns with their beliefs and lifestyle.

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Ben Sasse Now

Ben Sasse, currently 52 years old, is a prominent American politician known for his service in the U.S. Senate and his recent role in academia. 

He represented Nebraska in the Senate from 2015 to 2023, during which time he established himself as a notable figure within the Republican Party. 

His tenure in the Senate was characterized by a commitment to conservative values, a willingness to challenge party leadership when necessary, and a focus on issues such as health care, government spending, and constitutional integrity. 

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Sasse’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes, especially during periods of significant national tension, marked him as a unique voice within the Senate.

After completing his time in the Senate, Sasse transitioned to a role in higher education, serving as the president of the University of Florida from 2023 to 2024.

This position allowed him to apply his extensive background in academia, which included previous leadership roles and a strong educational foundation. 

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Sasse’s experience as an educator and administrator positioned him well to address the challenges facing modern universities, including issues related to free speech, diversity, and academic integrity. 

His appointment to the presidency of a major university underscores his commitment to public service and education, reflecting a continued dedication to shaping the future of higher education in America.

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