GOP Sen. Pete Ricketts wins Nebraska Senate race over independent Dan Osborn

GOP Senator Pete Ricketts won reelection in Nebraska's Senate race, CBS News and NBC News projected. Ricketts, a former Nebraska governor appointed to the Senate in 2023, faced a challenge from independent Dan Osborn, a former union leader making his second Senate bid.

Osborn, who had previously lost a Senate race in 2024, ran as an independent after the Democratic nominee withdrew, positioning himself as a nonpartisan option in the traditionally Republican state. Despite this, Ricketts faced a competitive race amid an unfavorable environment for the GOP due to issues such as the unpopular war with Iran and high fuel prices, according to CBS News.

Osborn emphasized that he would not caucus with either party if elected, but he had the backing of the Nebraska Democratic Party. Ricketts and his campaign characterized Osborn as too extreme and warned of potential consequences if Osborn influenced Senate control, NBC News reported.

Nebraska has not elected a non-Republican candidate to the Senate since 2006. Ricketts' projected victory helps the GOP maintain its Senate majority, providing relief after a series of Democratic wins in other states that the president won in 2024, CBS News noted.