LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Republican Pete Ricketts has been sworn into office as the 40th governor of Nebraska.
The Omaha businessman took the oath of office on Thursday in the Capitol's legislative chamber. The 50-year-old replaces Gov. Dave Heineman, who served a record 10 years as the state's top executive.
Republican Mike Foley, Nebraska's outgoing state auditor, will serve as Ricketts' lieutenant governor. Foley replaces former state Sen. John Nelson, who was appointed as Heineman's lieutenant governor in September.
Ricketts defeated Democrat Chuck Hassebrook, of rural Lyons, in the November general election.
Ricketts has said his focus in the 2015 legislative session would be on reducing property taxes. The session began Wednesday.
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