Dan Osborn, a US Navy veteran, union mechanic, and former Kellogg union leader, has announced an independent bid for the Nebraska Senate seat in the 2026 election. Osborn previously ran a competitive campaign in 2024, narrowly losing to Republican Senator Deb Fischer by seven points. This time, he is challenging incumbent Republican Senator Pete Ricketts, one of the wealthiest members of Congress with an estimated net worth of $182 million. Osborn's campaign emphasizes combating the influence of big money in politics and advocating for working-class interests. He has received backing from state Democrats and formed a group called "Conservatives for Osborn," which includes a former Hillary Clinton and Democratic National Committee official as treasurer, raising questions about his political affiliations. Osborn has highlighted issues such as Medicaid cuts linked to Ricketts' voting record, which have contributed to hospital closures in Nebraska. His platform centers on creating a level playing field for working people and challenging billionaire-backed political corruption. Osborn's campaign launch included support from Omaha musician Conor Oberst, underscoring his outsider and reform-oriented image.