By Sohaib Shams
Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts has won re-election in Nebraska, defeating independent candidate Dan Osborn, NBC News projects on Tuesday.
Competitive race in a Republican stronghold
Osborn, a pipe fitter and Navy veteran, ran as an independent after the Democratic nominee withdrew in July, leaving a one-on-one contest. He had the backing of the Nebraska Democratic Party but faced heavy attacks portraying him as a secret Democrat. Ricketts warned that Osborn would be “the most extreme senator we’ve ever sent to the U.S. Senate from Nebraska” and argued that a Democratic-controlled Senate would be a disaster for the state.
Economic pressures shape the campaign
The race tightened amid declining approval ratings for Trump, with voters frustrated by high costs and the war with Iran. High diesel prices driven by the conflict and Trump’s tariffs hit Nebraska farmers hard. At an October rally, Trump signed an executive order expanding access to “red dye” diesel for farm equipment, claiming prices would plummet once the war ends. Osborn supported the move but called it a “Band-Aid,” emphasizing that Nebraskans are struggling with expensive healthcare, groceries, and housing.
Contrasting messages on corruption and experience
Osborn leaned into anti-corruption themes, attacking Ricketts’ wealth and labeling him “Pocket Pete” beholden to big donors. Ricketts countered with ads highlighting his three statewide election wins and his leadership through fires, flooding, a pandemic, and agricultural crises. “Pete Ricketts has been there for Nebraska,” voters said in one ad.
Narrower margin than previous GOP wins
Ricketts won a special election in 2024 by 25 percentage points to finish former Sen. Ben Sasse’s term. Osborn lost to Republican Sen. Deb Fischer by just 7 points in 2024, signaling a closer-than-expected contest this year despite Nebraska’s deep-red lean.
