Dan Osborn
Candidate, U.S. Senate (NE) · Independent · Nebraska
Dan Osborn is a Navy veteran, mechanic, and former union leader running as an independent in Nebraska’s 2026 U.S. Senate race; he has not previously held elected office.
Profile last updated Jul 7, 2026 · Center Field Politics
Scout's Report
A working-class independent who ran a surprisingly competitive 2024 Senate campaign and is running again against a Republican incumbent without a party label.
Core Strength
A populist, non-partisan brand, grassroots small-dollar fundraising, and strong 2024 crossover appeal.
Core Weakness
No governing record and the structural challenge of running without a major-party organization.
Recent Action
Running as an independent challenging Sen. Pete Ricketts for Nebraska’s 2026 U.S. Senate seat.
Key Metrics
- Reliability
- N/A
- Documented Controversies
- 0
- Funding Secured
- N/A
No roll-call record available for a non-incumbent.
Official ethics findings or court records only.
No appropriations history for a non-incumbent candidate.
Where They Stand
Stances on the issues many voters care most about. Where a candidate has not given a clear answer we mark it "Mixed / Partial" or "Unclear" rather than guess. Positions are drawn from official records and bias-labeled news sources; they are descriptive only and are never scored.
Environment—Mixed / Partial3
Climate protections and regulation versus fewer climate-related regulations on industry.
Emphasizes energy affordability and jobs over sweeping mandates.
Healthcare—Mixed / Partial4
Expanding healthcare coverage for all versus expanding market-based, private insurance.
Focuses on lowering costs for working families; not aligned with a single party plan.
Second Amendment—Mixed / Partial3
New firearm regulations versus no new firearm regulations.
Describes himself as a gun owner favoring rights alongside common-sense safety steps.
Immigration—Mixed / Partial3
Pathways to citizenship versus a closed-border approach.
Backs stronger border security paired with practical workforce solutions.
Roe v. Wade—Mixed / Partial4
Protecting access to abortion versus restricting access to abortion.
Frames abortion as a matter for individuals and families rather than politicians.
National Security—Mixed / Partial3
Whether diplomacy or military strength should be the primary national-security priority.
As a veteran, emphasizes caution and congressional authorization before military action.
Party Loyalty
No voting record yet; loyalty cannot be measured.