GOP Sen.Pete Ricketts has defeated independent Dan Osborn in Nebraska, NBC News projects.Osborn, a pipe fitter, was one of multiple independent Senate candidates running this year in traditionally Republican states.
Osborn had the added advantage of a one-on-one race against Ricketts after the Democratic nominee ended her campaign in July.But Osborn faced an onslaught of attacks accusing him of being a secret Democrat.He had stressed that he would not caucus with either party if he were elected, but he did have the backing of the Nebraska Democratic Party.“Democrat Dan is too extreme, and he would be the most extreme senator we’ve ever sent to the U.S.
Senate from Nebraska,” Ricketts said at a September debate.“And if he were in charge of the Senate and gave it to the Democrats, that would be a disaster for Nebraska.”The sharp attacks underscored the tougher-than-expected nature of the race in a state Donald Trump won by 20 points in 2024.
The same year, Ricketts won a special election to serve the final two years of GOP former Sen.Ben Sasse’s term by 25 percentage points.
Osborn, however, lost by just 7 points in his first Senate bid, against Republican Sen.Deb Fischer two years ago.Independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn.Tom Williams / APRicketts’ bid for a full Senate term became competitive amid Trump’s sinking approval ratings, with voters frustrated by high costs and the war with Iran.
High diesel prices due to the war with Iran and Trump’s sweeping tariffs also hit farmers in heartland states, including Nebraska.At a rally in Nebraska in early October, Trump signed an executive order expanding access to diesel used in farming, known as “red dye” diesel.“Prices are all going down.Prices are all going way down, but they really are going to plummet as soon as that war ends.
It’s going to be very soon,” Trump said at the rally.“And today, I’m announcing another unprecedented step to bring down costs for many years.Farm vehic...