High-Profile Candidates and Unexpected Twists in Nebraska’s U.S. Senate Race
The Nebraska U.S. Senate race is heating up, with Pete Ricketts and Dan Osborn capturing significant attention, yet several other candidates are making their presence known. This contest promises to be intriguing with endorsements, ballot controversies, and diverse campaign platforms in play.
Pete Ricketts: Seeking a Full Term
Appointed by Governor Jim Pillen in 2023 following Ben Sasse’s resignation, Pete Ricketts is vying for his first complete six-year term. Ricketts boasts endorsements from prominent figures, including President Donald Trump and the Nebraska Farm Bureau.
Katie Olson of the Nebraska Farm Bureau remarked, “Sen. Pete Ricketts is a leader who understands the importance of agriculture to our state’s economy and the importance of keeping farmers and ranchers on their land.”
Ricketts has actively reached out to rural communities, discussing the Farm Bill, renewable fuels, and tax relief at an agriculture roundtable. Additionally, he has taken a stance against congressional stock trading, emphasizing that “No lawmaker should ever profit from insider information.”
His political journey began with a gubernatorial tenure from 2015 to 2023 and a past Senate run in 2006 against Ben Nelson.
Dan Osborn: The Independent Challenger
Dan Osborn emerges as a formidable opponent for Ricketts. Despite losing to U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer in 2024, Osborn remains a strong contender. As a nonpartisan candidate, he must secure enough signatures to be listed on the November ballot.
Osborn’s campaign centers on tax reductions for small businesses and the middle class and critiques of U.S. foreign policy. He expressed frustration on Facebook over taxpayer dollars funding “never-ending foreign wars.”
With a background in the U.S. Navy and as an industrial mechanic, Osborn gained recognition during the 2021 Kellogg’s strike advocating for better wages.
Ballot Controversies: Alleged “Plants” and Court Rulings
Cindy Burbank’s candidacy faced challenges when initially removed from the ballot. Although she supports Osborn, she committed to serving if elected. A Nebraska Supreme Court judge reinstated her on the ballot, reversing an earlier decision by Secretary of State Bob Evnen.
The race has seen further allegations of “plants,” with accusations against William Forbes and Mike Marvin. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb criticized Forbes’ candidacy, suggesting it was to deceive voters and aid Ricketts. Meanwhile, Marvin, running under Legal Marijuana NOW, was accused of being a plant for Osborn.
Additional Candidates and Platforms
The Senate race features a variety of candidates with unique agendas. Republican Todd Knobel advocates for “common sense” governance, prioritizing national debt and big tech regulation. His platform is detailed on his website.
Mac Stevens, leveraging the “Make America Great Again” slogan, campaigns for banning harmful chemicals to fight cancer. His focus areas include SNAP benefits and ending childhood hunger, as stated on his campaign page.
Other candidates like Debb Schultz and Eric Mortimore also bring diverse viewpoints, with Schultz entering the Senate race after withdrawing from the Grand Island mayoral election and Mortimore focusing on immigration and trucking industry issues.
Upcoming Election Dates
The Nebraska primary election is set for May 12, 2026, with early voting starting in March. Voter registration deadlines are April 27 online and May 1 in person. Nebraska’s voter ID law will be in effect, requiring voters to present a photo ID at the polls.
For further information or assistance, voters can contact their local election offices.
