Former Senator Ben Sasse Reveals Stage-Four Cancer Diagnosis, Calls It a “Death Sentence”
Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse has announced that he has been diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, describing the diagnosis as a “death sentence” in a deeply personal message shared on social media.
Sasse, who represented Nebraska in the U.S. Senate from 2015 to 2023, revealed the news in a lengthy post on X on Tuesday, writing candidly about the seriousness of his condition and the reality he now faces.
“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,” Sasse wrote.
The 53-year-old added that while the diagnosis is grim, it has also deepened his perspective on life.
“Advanced pancreatic cancer is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence. But I already had a death sentence before last week too — we all do,” he said.
Faith, Family, and Resolve
Sasse, who is married and has three children, reflected on the timing of his announcement during the Advent season, describing it as a period of spiritual reflection and hope.
Raised in the Lutheran faith and now a Presbyterian, he wrote that the weeks leading up to Christmas are meant to orient believers “toward the hope of what’s to come.” Despite the gravity of his illness, Sasse emphasized his determination to continue fighting.
“I’ll have more to say,” he added. “I’m not going down without a fight.”
A Senate Career Marked by Principle and Controversy
During his tenure in the Senate, Sasse—an alumnus of Harvard and Yale—was frequently critical of Donald Trump, though he supported the former president on several key policy issues.
He is perhaps best remembered nationally for being one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump of incitement of insurrection following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. While the Senate ultimately did not reach the votes required to convict, a successful conviction would have barred Trump from holding future office.
At the time, Sasse defended his vote by warning of the dangers of unchecked executive power.
“A weak and timid Congress will increasingly submit to an emboldened and empowered presidency,” he said. “That’s unacceptable. This institution needs to respect itself enough to tell the executive that some lines cannot be crossed.”
Life After the Senate
After leaving Congress, Sasse became president of the University of Florida. He stepped down from the role in July 2024, citing the health needs of his wife, who had recently suffered a stroke.
Subsequently, a review by the Florida Auditor General found that Sasse had inappropriately spent university funds. Sasse has denied wrongdoing, maintaining that his expenditures were justified.
Looking Ahead
Sasse’s announcement has prompted an outpouring of reactions across the political spectrum, with supporters and critics alike acknowledging the seriousness of his condition and the candor of his message.
As he confronts what he has described as the fight of his life, Sasse made clear that he intends to face the future with honesty, faith, and resolve.