Ben Sasse, a former U.S. Senator from Nebraska and onetime President of the University of Florida (UF), has been diagnosed with metastasized, stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
He announced the diagnosis in a statement posted to X, saying that the disease is terminal and he is now “on the clock.”
“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,” Sasse said.
He described advanced pancreatic cancer as “a death sentence,” while also reflecting that mortality is a universal condition.
“I already had a death sentence before last week, too — we all do,” he said.
Sasse, 53, has long been a distinctive figure in American public life, blending conservative politics with academic training and an emphasis on institutions, civic culture and constitutional norms.
Raised in Plainview, Nebraska, he earned degrees from Harvard and Yale, completing a doctorate in history with a focus on American political development. He served in former President George W. Bush’s administration as Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Planning and Evaluation, focusing on long-term entitlement and demographic issues. He later became President of Midland University in Nebraska.
Sasse entered the U.S. Senate in 2015 after winning Nebraska’s 2014 race as an outsider candidate critical of Washington dysfunction. He became nationally prominent for his willingness to publicly challenge President Donald Trump, despite voting conservatively on most policy matters.
Notably, he was among a small group of Republican Senators who voted to convict Trump during impeachment proceedings, a stance that made him a polarizing figure within his party.
In 2022, Sasse resigned from the Senate to become UF President, returning to academia amid intense debate over politics and public higher education. He stepped down from the role in 2023, citing health-related reasons involving his family, and largely withdrew from public life.
After his departure, it was revealed that while President, Sasse tripled his office’s spending, most of which went to lucrative consulting contracts and high-paying positions for GOP allies.
Sasse wrote Tuesday that his time away from politics allowed his family to establish “new rhythms.”
Much of his cancer announcement focused on his wife, Melissa, and their three children. He described milestones including his daughter Corrie’s commissioning into the U.S. Air Force and flight training, his daughter Alex’s early college graduation while teaching advanced science courses, and his 14-year-old son Breck learning to drive.
“This is hard for someone wired to work and build,” Sasse said, “but harder still as a husband and a dad.” He praised his siblings and close friends, quoting one who told him, “Sure, you’re on the clock, but we’re all on the clock.”
He called death “a wicked thief,” but emphasized gratitude for the time he has.
The statement was deeply rooted in Sasse’s Christian faith. While acknowledging the severity of his diagnosis, Sasse said he plans to pursue treatment and is not surrendering quietly, citing advances in immunotherapy and adding, “I’m not going down without a fight.”
Compassionate responses to Sasse’s announcement poured in from political and public figures.
Vice President JD Vance: “I’m sorry to hear this, Ben. May God bless you and your family.”
Federal Bureau of Investigation Deputy Director Dan Bongino: “I am so sorry to hear this. May God bless you and your family with strength during this extremely difficult time.”
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace: “Beautifully said. May God send you and your family many blessings this season.”
Utah state Sen. Daniel McCay: “Ben, you’ve made more of life in 53 years than many make in 100. Today I prayed for you and your doctors in hopes that you will be able to fulfill God’s purpose for you.”
Minnesota state Rep. Kristin Robbins: “Very sad to see this news! Praying for you & your family! May God’s grace abound in your lives as you fight on. God is with you in this storm and will be your Rock.”
NASA Deputy Press Secretary George Alderman: “Heartbreaking news, but such a powerful and beautiful note to share it in. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.”
Former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg: “Sending prayers your way. I admire your strength during this difficult time.”
Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy: “Praying for you and your family, Ben. Love your positive spirit.”
Political analyst Guy Benson: “Absolutely gutted to read this. I will do the only thing that can be done: Pray for you and your family. I’ll pray for you to be with us for as long as possible. Your loss will be really tough. What a life you’ve lived.”
TV host, author and political commentator S.E. Cupp: “Ughhhhhhh buddy. I hate to hear this. Thinking of you, your family, and our talks about summers on the farm and character-building work, which I think about often as I raise my own son. Know that you touched so many and made a real difference. Thank you.”
Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov: “I’m so sorry to hear it, my friend. You’ve always fought the good fights, and won more than a few. Our thoughts are with you and your family.”
News personality Megyn Kelly: “God bless you, Ben, and your dear family. Prayers up for all of you.”
South Florida public relations consultant Evan Ross: “The tears are rolling, and the admiration for your attitude is endless. Thank you for making the world a better place. For making UF safe for Jewish students, for upholding our constitution in the U.S. Senate, for bringing your glorious approach to the way you treat people. Wishing you and your family endless love, happiness, and peace as you count the smiles and laughs. May every day that remains be a glorious one.”
Journalist Aaron Rupar: “Ben — very sorry to hear this. This is a courageous way to face such a tough situation. Best wishes to you and your family.”