GOP Senator Pete Ricketts' Chances of Losing to Dan Osborn in Nebraska
Summary
Republican Senator Pete Ricketts is the favorite to win re-election in Nebraska’s 2026 Senate race, but independent candidate Dan Osborn is gaining support and fundraising more. A complicated Democratic primary with accusations of candidates being planted may affect whether Osborn can unite anti-Ricketts voters and challenge Ricketts effectively.Key Facts
- Pete Ricketts won the Nebraska Republican primary with 78.3% of the vote and is the incumbent Senator.
- Dan Osborn is running as an independent and has raised more money than Ricketts recently.
- Nebraska has not elected a Democrat statewide since 2006 and no independent senator since 1936.
- The Democratic Party supported Osborn to avoid splitting the anti-Ricketts vote, but two Democrats also ran in their primary.
- Bill Forbes, a Democratic candidate, is accused of being a Republican "plant" to weaken Osborn’s campaign.
- Cindy Burbank, another Democratic candidate, said she would drop out if she wins to help Osborn’s chances.
- Polls show a close race between Ricketts and Osborn despite Nebraska’s Republican-leaning history.
- If Ricketts loses, Republicans could lose Senate control, affecting President Donald Trump’s effectiveness in office.
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