OMAHA — Former Nebraska Republican U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse is dying of “metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer,” he announced on social media Tuesday.
“Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence. But I already had a death sentence before last week too — we all do,” Sasse wrote.
Most of the political world knows Sasse from his time tussling with President Donald Trump over the direction of the Republican Party, including being one of seven Republicans who voted to convict the president following his impeachment in 2021.
Sasse has been, in many ways, a traditional small-government conservative with an intellectual bent. He often critiqued the GOP’s turn toward populism under Trump and paid a price in public.
Intellectual senator
He made waves as a candidate running from academia, as then-president of Midland University in Fremont before being elected to the Senate in 2014. His friends describe him as an intense and philosophical thinker.
Friends-
This is a tough note to write, but since a bunch of you have started to suspect something, I’ll cut to the chase: Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die.
Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence.…
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) December 23, 2025
His foes describe him as a man who likes to prove he is the smartest person in the room. He and his family had discussed moving back to Nebraska, to the lakes, from Florida.
In the early days, he pressed his fellow Republicans to offer solutions to issues like health care instead of just talking about what they were against.
In practice, he told reporters he found the Senate and its politically limiting ways stifling to the sort of committee work and legislative progress he sought.
He did not ever repeal and replace Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act, nor did he muster support for a clear legislative alternative.
But he found his legislative niche pushing back against the rise of China and the malfeasance of Russia online and in the real world, the changing face of war.
He told Americans early and often about the societal and economic disruption artificial intelligence would bring, calling it the next industrial revolution.
Much of his late Senate work focused on what he called “the future of work,” and he spoke often about the need to change education and training to meet new needs.
University of Florida presidency
In 2022, Sasse was named sole finalist for the University of Florida presidency, leaving the Senate for the role in early 2023. Secrecy around the search and concerns about Sasse’s political background stirred campus before he took office.
The UF Faculty Senate voted “no confidence” in the presidential search process, citing a law passed earlier that year to close presidential searches to the public until the final stage.
Sasse left office after 17 months, amid concerns about his spending habits as president among lawmakers, the Governor’s Office, and then-Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
University leadership responded to the diagnosis Tuesday afternoon, with UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini and interim President Donald Landry extending “sincerest thoughts and prayers” to the Sasse family.
“We were shocked and saddened by the news of President Sasse’s illness,” the two wrote in a joint statement. “This was staggering news. And yet, true to his character, Ben’s first instinct is to give comfort and reassurance to those of us who have known and admired him.”
The Independent Florida Alligator reported after Sasse resigned, that he had “channeled millions to GOP allies, secretive contracts, tripling spending by the previous president.
“A majority of the spending surge was driven by lucrative contracts with big-name consulting firms and high-salaried, remote positions for Sasse’s former U.S. Senate staff and Republican officials,” the newspaper reported.
Sasse then became a professor at the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at UF, a hub with a “classical” mission that aims to produce people working in law, government, public policy, finance, health and nonprofits.
His bio on the Florida website points to his “service-leadership posture” and the university’s response to “post-October 7th campus unrest” during his presidency. It also mentions his implementing post-tenure review and launching of the President’s Strategic Initiative, targeted funding for student experience and interdisciplinary scholarship.
Florida State Rep. Allison Tant, a Democrat from Tallahassee, replied to Sasse’s social media post, saying, “Praying for your strength and peace.”
Family health fight
Sasse has said he resigned from the Florida presidency to help care for his wife, Melissa, who had been ill.
Sasse typically dealt with her epilepsy and other ailments quietly, telling friends that his teens would be fine because they were a family that would work together.
He celebrated his closeness with Melissa since stepping back in the 185-word statement he posted, calling her “the best friend a man could ever have.”
“This is hard for someone wired to work and build, but harder still as a husband and a dad,” he wrote. “I can’t begin to describe how great my people are.”
Sasse has three children, two daughters and a son. His post referenced his joy in their successes — one in the Air Force, one teaching and one learning to drive.
In it, he spoke about the situation his health would put his family through, not getting to walk his daughter down the aisle, burying him.
But he layered his message as he did in some of his speeches, with themes and reflections on the faith that buttressed him during difficult times with his wife and kids.
Sasse said he wouldn’t go down without a fight. He said he finds comfort in the idea of Christmas. And “gallows humor.” He said death and dying are not the same.
“We hope in a real Deliverer — a rescuing God, born at a real time, in a real place,” he said.”But the eternal city — with foundations and without cancer — is not yet.”
Nebraska, Florida, and national leaders respond to former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse’s diagnosis.
“We know Ben will give his fight against cancer all he’s got. A relentless advocate for Nebraska values — especially the pro-life movement, agriculture and common sense — Ben’s love of service and the people of our state is unmistakable. The First Lady and I lift Ben, Melissa and the Sasse kids up in our prayers.” — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen
“So very saddened to hear the news about Ben Sasse this morning. I know he will face this difficult challenge anchored in his strong Christian faith and bolstered by the love of family and friends. Ben, I am keeping you and your loved ones in my prayers.” — U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., who served with Sasse during his entire tenure
“I am heartbroken to hear of Ben’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Ben’s friendship is a blessing, and I am grateful for all he has done for our country. Susanne and I are praying for Ben, Melissa, and the rest of the Sasse family as they navigate this terrible disease.” — U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., who succeeded Sasse in 2023
“A remarkable response to a devastating diagnosis. From Nebraska to Florida and all across the country, we are with you and praying for you, Melissa, and your kids as you take on this new battle, @BenSasse.” — U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., who represents Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District
“Many of us will be praying for you Ben … you and your family. And we thank you for sharing your faith in the Almighty and knowing we have an eternal promise and destiny.” — U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who represents Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District
“Ben — It is hard to hear your news. Thank you for your message of hope. Thank you for your service and friendship across the years. I trust that faith in Christ and love of family will be blessings to you today, and every day forward. You and your family are in our prayers.” — U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., who represents Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District
“Heartbroken to hear this. Ann and I are keeping Ben and the entire Sasse family in our prayers during this unimaginable time.” — U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla.
“My sympathies go out to @BenSasse and the entire Sasse family. Please keep them in your prayers as they navigate this difficult time.” — U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla.
“I’m sorry Ben. My dad had the same diagnosis. It was a death sentence. It humbles you quickly. We got 18 months together, and then silence. You wouldn’t wish this on your worst enemy. We have not made enough progress on pancreatic cancer detection nor treatment.” — U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla.
“If there is a better man than my friend, @BenSasse, I don’t know who he is. He is led by something far greater than any man. His faith and his devotion to his family have been his guiding force. Ben, you are loved and I will pray for you.” — Alan Levine, chair-elect of Board of Governors, State University System of Florida
“I’m very sorry to hear this, Ben. May God bless you and your family.” — Vice President JD Vance
“Thanks for reminding us, Ben, it is how we live not how long we live that counts. God bless you and your family.” — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who served with Sasse on the U.S. Judiciary Committee
“Heartbreaking news delivered through an inspiring message that reminds us all of what matters most in life. Praying for you and your family, Ben, as you walk this path.” — U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., who served with Sasse between 2017 and 2023.
“Ben Sasse has always been guided by conviction, intellectual honesty and a deep commitment to Nebraska. … He never shied away from hard conversations or difficult reforms. … Sally and I are keeping Ben, his wife Melissa and their family in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.” — Dave Heineman, former Nebraska governor
“Senator Ben Sasse will be long remembered for his forthright and candid leadership, particularly his clear-eyed assessment of higher education and its need to become more balanced and objective in its teaching mission. He served Nebraska well in the U.S. Senate. … Mary and I send our sincere best wishes to Ben and his family as he faces this illness with courage and grace.” — Former U.S. Rep. Hal Daub, R-Neb.
“We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Ben, his wife Melissa, and their children during this incredibly difficult time. Ben has dedicated much of his life to public service and to the people of Nebraska.” — Nebraska Republican Party
3:54 p.m. Editor’s note: This story has been updated with comments from former Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman and former U.S. Rep. Hal Daub, R-Neb.
This story was originally produced by Nebraska Examiner, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Florida Phoenix, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com.
Disclaimer
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure & Legal Disclaimer
AI Content Policy.
To provide our readers with timely and comprehensive coverage, South Florida Reporter uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in producing certain articles and visual content.
Articles: AI may be used to assist in research, structural drafting, or data analysis. All AI-assisted text is reviewed and edited by our team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our editorial standards.
Images: Any imagery generated or significantly altered by AI is clearly marked with a disclaimer or watermark to distinguish it from traditional photography or editorial illustrations.
General Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service. In no event shall South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service.
The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice. The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components.
