CBS projects Pete Ricketts wins another Nebraska Senate term in 2026 election
Ricketts projected to prevail
CBS News projects that Ricketts, 62, defeated Osborn in the Nebraska Senate contest. The Republican’s victory would give him another term in the chamber. Ricketts entered the Senate in 2023 after serving as Nebraska’s governor. Osborn, 51, previously led a union and was seeking a Senate seat for the second time.
Osborn’s second Senate bid
In 2024, Osborn lost to Republican Sen. Deb Fischer by seven points. Democrats again cleared the way for him to run this cycle, and he sought to unseat Ricketts.
Nebraska has not sent a non-Republican to the Senate since 2006. Still, the presence of many nonpartisan voters helped make this race competitive.
A consequential result for Republicans
The contest unfolded amid an unfavorable climate for the GOP, including an unpopular war with Iran and high prices for gas and diesel. Osborn said he would not have joined the Democrats’ caucus.
Ricketts’ projected win prevents Republicans from losing another seat in a Senate where they hold a majority. The outcome also offered the party relief after Democrats won several races in states the president had carried comfortably in 2024.
Key points
- CBS News projects Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts will win reelection in Nebraska.
- Independent Dan Osborn was making his second bid for a Senate seat.
- Osborn lost to Sen. Deb Fischer by seven points in 2024.
- Ricketts’ projected victory preserves a seat for the GOP as it defends its Senate majority.