Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts Wins Nebraska Senate Race
2 days ago
Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts has won reelection in Nebraska, defeating independent candidate Dan Osborn in a closely watched Senate race amid economic concerns affecting the state's agricultural industry.
The Associated Press called the race for Ricketts early Wednesday morning, securing the Republican senator his first full six-year term in Washington.
Ricketts, a former two-term Nebraska governor, was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2023 following the resignation of Republican Sen. Ben Sasse. He later won a special election in 2024 to serve the remainder of Sasse's term.
Osborn, a Navy veteran and former union leader, mounted a competitive challenge in the traditionally Republican state. He previously ran as an independent against Republican Sen. Deb Fischer in 2024, losing by approximately seven percentage points.
The race drew national attention as Nebraska voters faced concerns over rising costs, including higher fuel prices and economic pressures affecting farmers and ranchers.
Throughout the campaign, Ricketts emphasized his record as governor and his support for President Donald Trump's agenda. Osborn focused on working-class issues, government accountability and reducing corporate influence in Washington.
Although Osborn ran as an independent, he received support from Democrats after the party's nominee withdrew from the general election. Osborn maintained that he would not caucus with either major political party if elected.
Ricketts' victory allows Republicans to retain a Senate seat in a state that has consistently supported GOP candidates in statewide elections.
The senator will begin his new six-year term in January 2027.
The Associated Press called the race for Ricketts early Wednesday morning, securing the Republican senator his first full six-year term in Washington.
Ricketts, a former two-term Nebraska governor, was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2023 following the resignation of Republican Sen. Ben Sasse. He later won a special election in 2024 to serve the remainder of Sasse's term.
Osborn, a Navy veteran and former union leader, mounted a competitive challenge in the traditionally Republican state. He previously ran as an independent against Republican Sen. Deb Fischer in 2024, losing by approximately seven percentage points.
The race drew national attention as Nebraska voters faced concerns over rising costs, including higher fuel prices and economic pressures affecting farmers and ranchers.
Throughout the campaign, Ricketts emphasized his record as governor and his support for President Donald Trump's agenda. Osborn focused on working-class issues, government accountability and reducing corporate influence in Washington.
Although Osborn ran as an independent, he received support from Democrats after the party's nominee withdrew from the general election. Osborn maintained that he would not caucus with either major political party if elected.
Ricketts' victory allows Republicans to retain a Senate seat in a state that has consistently supported GOP candidates in statewide elections.
The senator will begin his new six-year term in January 2027.
