Ricketts Beats Independent Challenger to Keep Nebraska Senate Seat

The Associated Press called Nebraska’s Senate race for Sen. Pete Ricketts on Wednesday. Ricketts claimed victory early Wednesday morning in Bellevue over independent Dan Osborn. In his victory speech he said: “Time and again, Nebraskans step up for each other. We don't need a socialist ideology. We know what makes America great because, as I've always said, Nebraska is what America is supposed to be.” Asked by Jeremy Fredricks how he would work with a projected Democratic Senate majority, Ricketts said he would look for common ground but would not support socialist ideas. Ricketts, 62, son of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts, was appointed in January 2023 by Gov. Jim Pillen after Ben Sasse resigned post-2022 midterms to lead the University of Florida; Ricketts had just finished eight years as governor. Osborn is 51. Ricketts defeated four Republican primary challengers, campaigned on border security and lower taxes, and appeared with Donald Trump at a Grand Island rally on Oct. 5, 2026. Republicans have held both Nebraska seats since 2012. Outlets differ on framing Osborn: he ran as an independent with no Democrat on the ballot, while Ricketts and allies branded him “Democrat Dan” and likened him to independents who caucus with Democrats. The seat stays Republican for a full term.