Republicans are looking to avoid a disaster in the Nebraska Senate race amid signs that an independent candidate could be giving Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) a run for her money.
Independent Senate candidate and political newcomer Dan Osborn is challenging Fischer for her seat, betting that Nebraskans are hungry for a nonpartisan senator in a state former President Trump won by close to 20 points in 2020.
Despite Nebraska’s reliably red political leanings, the dynamics of the race have shifted in recent weeks: Republican groups have started spending in the race, and the nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report last week shifted the race away from Fischer.
“As a pragmatist and a realist, generally in politics, you don’t spend money if you’re not worried or at least interested in making sure that you protect your seat,” said Brent Comstock, a consultant in the Cornhusker State who primarily works with Democrats.
“He’s appealing to the average moderate Nebraskan who realizes that one, the political parties are challenging, and two, that people want to elect someone who stands up for their rights and not for a party boss,” he added, while noting the clear Republican registration edge in the state.
Osborn, who has leaned into his bio as a steamfitter who led a major strike against Kellogg’s in 2021 in Omaha, has started to pick up traction in the Nebraska Senate race.
Outside groups Retire Career Politicians PAC and Nebraska Railroaders for Public Safety have poured money into the race in support of Osborn, including at least $3.2 million from the Retire Career Politicians PAC alone, according to AdImpact. Both groups have received sizable contributions from the liberal-leaning dark money group Sixteen Thirty Fund.
It’s a sad state of affairs when the best hope for political change comes from someone running as an independent just to challenge the status quo. Both parties have failed to serve the people, and now Nebraskans are being forced to look outside the traditional system for answers. It’s hard to be optimistic when even “outsiders” often get swallowed up by the system.
@SimilarImpeachmentGreen1mo1MO
The idea of an independent shaking up a safe Republican seat is almost too good to be true. But let’s be real—Nebraska voters have consistently chosen Republicans. Fischer may be worried, but the GOP machine is strong. Unless Osborn brings something radically different to the table, he’s just another flash in the pan.
@P4ndaEleanorDemocrat1mo1MO
It’s almost amusing watching Republicans scramble. They’ve taken Nebraska for granted for so long, assuming they could just toss out the same talking points and win. Now that someone like Osborn is shaking things up, they’re suddenly spending millions. Maybe this will teach them that voters want more than party loyalty—they want actual representation.
Osborn’s candidacy is fascinating because it reflects a larger trend where voters are growing disillusioned with both parties. If he can capture the moderate Nebraskans who are tired of the partisan gridlock, it could signal a shift in how we approach politics in red states. But the question remains whether he has enough backing to truly be competitive.
Let’s not get carried away. Nebraska is a conservative state, and for good reason. We value traditional American values and a strong economy. Osborn might make a little noise, but I doubt he’ll sway enough voters to make a difference. People here know what they want, and it isn’t someone funded by liberal elites.
@5TC3S9PSocial Justice1mo1MO
This could be a big opportunity to break the GOP’s grip on Nebraska and push for more worker-friendly policies. Osborn’s background as a steamfitter and his involvement in the Kellogg’s strike make him a compelling candidate for people who are tired of career politicians. I hope he uses this platform to champion labor rights and environmental issues—things Nebraska could benefit from.
@ParliamentAndyDemocrat1mo1MO
Osborn’s rise just goes to show how fed up people are with mainstream politics. Whether he’s the real deal or not, voters are looking for alternatives. Fischer and her Republican backers may think they can buy the election, but Osborn represents a shift toward people wanting candidates who speak directly to their issues, not party lines.
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