Former Senator Ben Sasse Discloses Terminal Stage Four Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

2025-12-24 politics

Lincoln, Wednesday, 24 December 2025.
Former U.S. Senator and University of Florida President Ben Sasse has publicly announced a diagnosis of terminal stage-four pancreatic cancer. The 53-year-old Nebraska Republican shared the somber news on social media on December 23, 2025, revealing that the diagnosis was confirmed the previous week. Sasse, recognized for his intellectual approach to public service, described the condition as a “death sentence,” acknowledging he has “significantly less time” than preferred. Having recently resigned from his university presidency to care for his wife, Sasse framed this personal crisis through the lens of his Christian faith, expressing a determination to “run through the irreverent tape” despite the prognosis. The disclosure has elicited immediate bipartisan support, highlighting the impact of the former lawmaker who is now confronting a rapid and critical health battle.

Confronting Mortality with Faith and Science

In his candid social media statement posted on Tuesday, December 23, Sasse provided a stark assessment of his condition, describing advanced pancreatic cancer as “nasty stuff” and acknowledging it as a “death sentence” [1][2]. Despite the grim prognosis delivered the week prior, the former senator emphasized that he is “not going down without a fight,” citing recent scientific advancements in immunotherapy as a source of hope [1][7]. Sasse, who is 53, framed his diagnosis within the context of the Advent season, noting that while there is never a good time to share such news, his Christian faith is providing orientation toward “the hope of what’s to come” [2][7]. He further shared that his family is coping by “zealously embracing a lot of gallows humor” as they navigate this difficult transition together [1][7].

A Career of Service and Recent Transitions

Sasse’s diagnosis comes shortly after a significant shift in his professional life centered on family priorities. After representing Nebraska in the U.S. Senate from 2015 to 2023, he resigned to become the 13th president of the University of Florida [1][2]. However, his tenure in academia was abbreviated; he stepped down in July 2024 to focus on his family following his wife Melissa’s diagnosis with epilepsy [1][4]. Since resigning from the university presidency, Sasse has continued to teach classes at the University of Florida’s Hamilton Center, maintaining his connection to higher education while establishing “new rhythms” at home [5][7]. His career has been characterized by a willingness to prioritize personal convictions and family needs over political or administrative power.

Political Legacy and Independence

During his two terms in the Senate, Sasse established a reputation for intellectual rigor and occasional friction with the leadership of the Republican Party. He was a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, notably voting to convict him during his second impeachment trial in 2021 following the January 6 Capitol riot [3][4]. This independent streak drew ire from some within his party but solidified his standing as a politician willing to break with partisan orthodoxy. Prior to his Senate service, Sasse served as an assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services and as president of Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, highlighting a career that has consistently oscillated between public policy and academic leadership [6][7].

Support from Colleagues and Successors

The announcement of Sasse’s illness has drawn expressions of shock and support from across the political spectrum. Senator Pete Ricketts, who was appointed to fill Sasse’s Senate seat in 2023, stated he was “heartbroken” by the news, calling Sasse’s friendship a blessing [2][3]. Similarly, Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer and Governor Jim Pillen offered public prayers, with Pillen praising Sasse as a “relentless advocate for Nebraska values” [2]. Even amidst past political turbulence, the gravity of the diagnosis has prompted a unified response, with figures such as U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz sharing personal sympathies regarding the severity of pancreatic cancer [3]. Sasse concluded his announcement by affirming that while the process of dying is difficult, it is “still something to be lived” [1][7].

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Ben Sasse pancreatic cancer