Dan Osborn, an Independent candidate for the U.S. Senate, has announced his intention to possibly run against Republican Senator Pete Ricketts in the 2026 election. Osborn gained attention in 2024 when he came close to defeating Sen. Deb Fischer, marking a significant moment for working-class voters in Nebraska.

Background on Dan Osborn

Osborn, a mechanic and labor advocate, is well-known for his role in organizing a strike against Kellogg’s cereal company. In the previous electoral cycle, he lost to Fischer by a margin of less than seven points, a result that defied expectations and showcased his appeal to a broad voter base.

Announcing the Exploratory Committee

On Thursday, Osborn signaled his potential candidacy by initiating an exploratory committee via a post on social media platform X. “We could replace a billionaire with a mechanic,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a representative more aligned with the working class.

Pete Ricketts: The Opponent

Pete Ricketts, who has been in the Senate since 2023, previously served as Nebraska’s governor from 2015 to 2023. He is part of a wealthy family, with a personal net worth estimated at over $165 million. The Ricketts family’s net worth is reported to be around $4.1 billion, according to Forbes.

Osborn’s Political Philosophy

Osborn’s campaign focuses on challenging the influence of wealthy individuals in politics. He stated, “Billionaires have bought up the country and are carving it up day by day.” His message resonates with constituents who feel economic policies favor large corporations over working families and small businesses.

He positions himself as a candidate who understands the struggles of everyday workers, countering Ricketts as someone who has never experienced that lifestyle. “We could take on this illness, the billionaire class, directly,” Osborn claimed.

Previous Campaign and Endorsements

In 2024, Osborn’s campaign emphasized key issues, including the Right to Repair and advocating for lower taxes on overtime. His efforts drew praise from prominent political figures like Senator Bernie Sanders, who described Osborn’s 2024 campaign as a “model for the future” for its ability to connect with working-class voters.

Faiz Shakir, a progressive strategist and former campaign manager for Sanders, expressed support for Osborn’s potential run, highlighting the narrative of a “working-class candidate” competing against a “billionaire political race.”