Nebraska Democrats Clear Senate Primary for Dan Osborn After His 6-Point 2024 Loss
Updated
Updated · ms.now · May 12
Nebraska Democrats Clear Senate Primary for Dan Osborn After His 6-Point 2024 Loss
9 articles · Updated · ms.now · May 12
Nebraska Democrats left Tuesday’s Senate primary without a party-backed candidate, betting independent Dan Osborn gives them the best shot at unseating Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts in November.
Osborn, a veteran and mechanic, lost to Sen. Deb Fischer by just 6 points in 2024 even as Donald Trump carried Nebraska by about 20 points, making him a stronger option than a conventional Democrat.
That strategy was muddied by William Forbes, a Trump-supporting anti-abortion pastor who filed as a Democrat; the state party called him a non-serious candidate trying to trick voters.
The move reflects a broader problem for minority parties in deep-red states: long losing streaks weaken recruiting, fundraising and volunteer networks, pushing them toward independents instead of party nominees.
Independent bids are also surfacing in South Dakota, Idaho and Montana, as 45% of U.S. adults identified as independents in 2025, though such candidates still lack party donor and field machines.
What does the rise of independent candidates signal about the future of party politics?
How can an independent candidate build a winning campaign without a party's resources?
How would more non-caucusing independents impact the functioning of the U.S. Senate?
Nebraska’s 2026 Senate Race: Democrats Back Independent Osborn to Challenge Republican Incumbent Ricketts
Overview
The Nebraska Democratic Party took an unprecedented step by actively clearing the field to support independent candidate Dan Osborn in the 2026 Senate race. This strategy unfolded during the May 13 primary, where Cindy Burbank, backed by the party, won the nomination over William Forbes, who was suspected of being a Republican 'plant' that could split the anti-Republican vote. Burbank pledged to withdraw from the general election, ensuring Osborn would face Republican Pete Ricketts in a direct contest. This bold move highlights the Democrats’ focus on uniting opposition to maximize Osborn’s chances in a traditionally Republican state.