Former Senator Ben Sasse Reveals Stage IV Cancer Diagnosis

Former Republican senator Ben Sasse announced he has received a diagnosis of stage IV cancer.

“Last week I learned I have advanced, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and will eventually pass away,” Sasse, 53, shared via X on Tuesday, December 23, regarding his health situation.

The politician reflected on his initial reaction to the news. “Death is a cruel thief, and relentlessly pursues us all,” he observed. “Still, I have less time than I would prefer. This is difficult for someone driven to work and create, but even more so as a husband and a father.”

Ben, who shares three children with his wife Melissa Sasse, clarified that he is not losing hope.

“I will have more to say. I’m not surrendering without a fight,” he continued. “One aspect of divine grace is found in the remarkable progress science has achieved in recent years with immunotherapy and similar treatments.”

Ben concluded: “Death and dying are not the same — the process of dying is still something to be experienced. We’re embracing a great deal of dark humor in our home, and I’ve committed to doing my part to navigate the challenging moments with levity.”

In response to the announcement, Ben received a wave of support. Vice President JD Vance replied to Ben, “I am deeply sorry to hear this, Ben. May blessings be upon you and your family.”

Ben’s former Senate colleague Deb Fischer said she was “extremely saddened to hear the news,” writing, “I know he will confront this difficult challenge grounded in his strong Christian beliefs and strengthened by the affection of family and friends. Ben, I am keeping you and your loved ones in my thoughts.”

Megyn Kelly offered her condolences. “God be with you Ben and your cherished family,” she wrote. “My prayers are with all of you.”

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Ben was elected to the Senate in 2014 and reelected eight years later. After nearly a decade in office, Ben resigned from the Senate and was appointed president of the University of Florida. He left the position in July 2024 after his wife was diagnosed with epilepsy but has continued to teach at the school.

“My wife Melissa’s recent epilepsy diagnosis and a new set of memory problems have been challenging, but we are facing them together,” he wrote in a message to the university community about needing to “stand side-by-side with my closest companion” each day. “Gator Nation needs a president who can maintain momentum, Melissa needs a husband who can contribute, and my children need a father who can be home more often.”

He concluded: “First, I’m a husband and father. Second, I’ve been fortunate to serve as president of the finest public university in America — Go Gators! — and I’ve enjoyed the challenge of dedicating this university everything I have. But here’s the reality: Those responsibilities are significantly at odds with each other at this time… I need to step back for a while and focus more on the needs of my family while we establish more stable routines.”