Dan Osborn Forms Senate Run Exploratory Committee

Dan Osborn, an independent and former union leader, is forming an exploratory committee for a potential Senate run in 2026 against Republican incumbent Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska. Osborn, who narrowly lost to Sen. Deb Fischer in 2024, campaigns as a working-class representative against billionaire influence, highlighting his background as a union mechanic and his opposition to corporate control in politics. Despite his independent status, Osborn's campaign has attracted both progressive support and skepticism from Democrats due to his refusal to accept formal endorsements. He previously gained attention by appealing to both progressive groups and disenchanted Republican voters while refusing to align with either political party. Ricketts, a wealthy incumbent with significant financial backing, presents a formidable challenge, as he is expected to run for a full term after winning a special election in 2024. Osborn's campaign strategy includes portraying Ricketts as part of the billionaire class that he believes negatively impacts the average worker and small businesses.