GOP Pete Ricketts fends off independent Osborn in Nebraska Senate race
Nebraska race goes to Ricketts
Ricketts won the contest for a full Senate term, NBC News projects. Osborn, a pipe fitter, had sought to challenge him as an independent in a state that has traditionally favored Republicans.
The Democratic nominee withdrew in July, making the race a direct contest between the two men. The Nebraska Democratic Party backed Osborn, though he said he would not align with either party in the Senate.
Campaign attacks and past results
Osborn faced repeated claims that he was secretly a Democrat. Those attacks highlighted how competitive the race had become in a state Donald Trump carried by 20 points in 2024.
That year, Ricketts won a special election to complete the remaining two years of former Republican Sen. Ben Sasse’s term, prevailing by 25 points. Osborn had lost his first Senate campaign by seven points to Republican Sen. Deb Fischer two years ago.
Costs and farm concerns
Ricketts’ bid drew a closer contest amid declining approval ratings for Trump and voter frustration over high costs and the war with Iran. Diesel prices and Trump’s tariffs also weighed on farmers in Nebraska and other heartland states.
At an October rally in Nebraska, Trump signed an executive order to broaden access to red-dye diesel, which is used in farming. He described the move as an effort to lower costs, while acknowledging he did not know what the fuel was.
Candidates make their case
At a debate, Osborn said Nebraskans he had met—including teachers, truck drivers, nurses and lunch workers—were struggling with the cost of living. He pointed to expensive groceries and health care and said families were falling behind.
Osborn’s television ad criticized what it called “Pocket Pete,” while a separate ad supporting Ricketts cited his presence through agricultural challenges, fires, flooding and the pandemic. Ricketts ultimately won the race, according to NBC News’ projection.
Key points
- NBC News projects that Pete Ricketts defeated independent Dan Osborn in Nebraska.
- The Democratic nominee withdrew in July, leaving Osborn in a one-on-one contest with Ricketts.
- Osborn said he would not caucus with either party if elected, despite receiving state Democratic Party support.
- The campaign unfolded amid voter concerns about costs, diesel prices, tariffs and the war with Iran.