GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — The top opponents of Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts and GOP Gov. Jim Pillen embraced President Donald Trump's message to central Nebraska on Monday — that life can get better soon.
President Donald Trump signs an executive order during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. Executive assistant to U.S. President Donald Trump, Natalie Harp, watches on at left.
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U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, left, shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
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Gov. Jim Pillen speaks next to U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Photos: President Donald Trump speaks at Grand Island rally with U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees queue outside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
A look inside Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
A look inside Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees queue outside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees queue outside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees walk towards the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees queue outside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees queue outside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees queue outside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
The Daily Show's Jordan Klepper interviews an attendee before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees queue outside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees find their seats before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
A squirrel evades law enforcement before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees queue outside the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
People make their way to their seats before a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
A look inside Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Stan Huffman of Axtell, Neb., picks up a "I'm Billy Bob!" sign before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees wait inside Pinnacle Bank Expo Center before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees pick up campaign signs for U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts reading "I'm Mary Jane" and "I'm Billy Bob" before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
"I'm Mary Jane" and "I'm Billy Bob" signs are seen on a campaign table before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
A attendee waves a sign before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Charles Herbster before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Scott Petersen, Republican candidate for Nebraska Secretary of State, waves before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign event for U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attorney General Mike Hilgers speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees watch on during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Rep. Adrian Smith speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Gov. Jim Pillen waves to supporters during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Gov. Jim Pillen speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Gov. Jim Pillen speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees watch on as Gov. Jim Pillen speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees react as Gov. Jim Pillen speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees react as Gov. Jim Pillen speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Gov. Jim Pillen holds up a certificate naming U.S. President Donald Trump an honorary admiral in the Nebraska Navy during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Nebraska politicians stand as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Jacqueline Medina speaks after U.S. President Donald Trump recognized her during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. Medina's, Lizbeth Medina, was murdered in El Paso, Texas, in 2023.
Attendees watch on as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees watch on as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Gov. Jim Pillen watches on as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts speaks next to U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
An attendee uses a pair of binoculars to watch on as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to Gov. Jim Pillen during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Gov. Jim Pillen speaks next to U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Rep. Adrian Smith speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
John Cook, former Nebraska volleyball coach, is recognized by U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Attendees watch on as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Executive assistant to U.S. President Donald Trump, Natalie Harp, during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
People watch as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
People watch as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
People wait for U.S. President Donald Trump to speak during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
People wait for U.S. President Donald Trump to speak during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
People wait for U.S. President Donald Trump to speak during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
People wait for U.S. President Donald Trump to speak during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
People wait for U.S. President Donald Trump to speak during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
People wait for U.S. President Donald Trump to speak during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Rebekah Allick reacts to being recognized by U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, left, shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, left, shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Gov. Jim Pillen, left, shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Gov. Jim Pillen, right, shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
People stand for the pledge of allegiance during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
An attendee takes a selfie as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
