Republican Senator Pete Ricketts has won the GOP primary in Nebraska, advancing to face independent candidate Dan Osborn in what is anticipated to be a competitive general election. Ricketts, who was appointed to the Senate in 2023 and later won a special election, secured his party’s renomination on Tuesday.
Ricketts Secures GOP Nomination
Pete Ricketts, the incumbent Republican Senator, emerged victorious over four primary challengers in Nebraska’s Republican Party Senate primary. This win positions him to compete for a full six-year term in the U.S. Senate. Ricketts was initially appointed to fill the vacancy left by Senator Ben Sasse in 2023. He subsequently won a special election in 2024 to complete the remaining two years of Sasse’s term. His primary victory ensures he will be the Republican nominee in the upcoming fall elections.
General Election Showdown Against Osborn
The general election in Nebraska is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with Ricketts set to face independent candidate Dan Osborn. Osborn, an industrial mechanic and military veteran, previously challenged Republican Senator Deb Fischer in her 2024 re-election bid, demonstrating his ability to mount a competitive campaign. Although the Nebraska Democratic Party is supporting Osborn in the general election, the Democratic primary saw a contest between Cindy Burbank, a community college instructor, and pastor Bill Forbes. Both were late filers, with some Nebraska Democrats suggesting Forbes’ candidacy might have been intended to siphon votes from Osborn, thereby aiding Ricketts. Forbes has denied these allegations, while Burbank stated her entry was to prevent Forbes from appearing on the fall ballot.
Background of Candidates
Pete Ricketts comes from a prominent Nebraska family; he is the eldest son of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts and, along with his family, holds a partial ownership stake in Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs. Before his Senate tenure, Ricketts served two terms as the governor of Nebraska, winning elections in 2014 and 2018. He was appointed to the U.S. Senate by his successor as governor, Republican Jim Pillen, shortly after completing his second gubernatorial term.
Nebraska Senate Race Outlook
Top nonpartisan political analysts are currently rating the general election showdown in Nebraska as likely Republican. The Republican Party currently holds a slim majority in the Senate, controlling 53 of the 100 seats. The outcome of this race will be a factor in the broader national context of the midterm elections, where Republicans aim to maintain their narrow majorities in both the House and the Senate.
