Dan Osborn bets on anti-establishment anger in a rematch against one of Congress’s wealthiest members

Independent candidate Dan Osborn has announced his bid for the Nebraska Senate seat, challenging Republican Senator Pete Ricketts in the 2026 election. Osborn, who nearly unseated Senator Deb Fischer in 2024, launched his campaign through a video announcement on Tuesday.

According to Politico, The Navy veteran and mechanic gained significant attention last year when he came within single digits of defeating Fischer, outperforming Vice President Kamala Harris in Nebraska. His previous campaign was marked by strong grassroots support and a message that resonated with voters frustrated with traditional party politics. This anti-establishment sentiment continues to reshape American politics across party lines.

Osborn recognizes that his status as an independent candidate positions him uniquely in the race against Ricketts, one of the wealthiest members of Congress. “We’re starting off in a much better place with a tried-and-true set of volunteers across the state,” Osborn said, referring to the name recognition and support network he built during his previous campaign.

Growing support shows potential for independent candidates

The upcoming race presents different challenges for Osborn compared to his previous campaign. Ricketts, the son of TD Ameritrade’s billionaire founder and part-owner of the Chicago Cubs, has substantial financial resources at his disposal. The Ricketts campaign has already signaled its intention to aggressively counter Osborn’s bid.

National polling suggests increasing dissatisfaction among voters with both major parties, potentially creating an opening for independent candidates like Osborn. The race has gained additional attention as tech entrepreneur Elon Musk discusses forming a new ‘America Party,’ though Osborn has stated he will remain independent. Musk’s recent political positions and commentary have shown the volatility of political alliances in the current climate.

While Osborn aligned with some of former President Trump’s policies in his previous campaign, including support for the border wall, he has maintained his independence from both major parties. He recently met with state Democrats to discuss key issues, including his opposition to Trump’s recent legislation.

The race is expected to be closely watched, particularly given Nebraska’s changing political landscape. Former Republican state senator Ken Schilz suggests the outcome will largely depend on how effectively the Ricketts campaign defines Osborn early in the race. The campaign’s significance is further heightened by other political developments in the state, including Representative Don Bacon’s recent retirement announcement.