Independent · Nebraska Senate · 2026
Dan Osborn
Osborn spent years keeping the machinery running at the Kellogg's cereal plant in Omaha.
Biography
Dan Osborn says he and his wife, Megan, file their taxes at the kitchen table late on April 14, a routine he invokes when arguing for free federal tax filing.1 They live in Omaha and have three children.2
After Roncalli Catholic High School, Osborn spent four years in the Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation, including two Western Pacific cruises.2 He subsequently served in the Nebraska and Tennessee National Guard.2 He joined Kellogg's Omaha plant as an industrial mechanic in 2004 and became president of his union local, helping lead workers during the 2021 strike.2
His later work includes steamfitting, and he brings factory experience into his consumer proposals.3 He recalls modifying packaging machinery to put smaller quantities into smaller bags, an experience he cites when advocating clearer labels for products reduced in size.1 He also supports repair rights, competition in credit card processing and restrictions on using personal data to set individual prices.1
Osborn proposes congressional term limits, stock trading restrictions and stronger disclosure of political donors.4 He supports restoring rural hospital funding, stronger union organizing protections and legal abortion access.5 His independent challenge to Republican Pete Ricketts follows a 2024 campaign against Senator Deb Fischer; Nebraska's Democratic nominee withdrew and the party chose no replacement.3
Record and controversies
Campaign finance complaints
Americans for Public Trust filed a March FEC complaint alleging excessive payments to family members and improper control of affiliated political committees.6 Osborn's campaign called the allegations baseless and said it complied with federal rules; payment to relatives for genuine work is permissible at fair market value.6 A separate April complaint alleged improper use of an affiliated committee's unrestricted funds; Osborn's campaign called it bogus.7 October reporting described the family payment complaint as unresolved.8 The complaints are allegations, not confirmed agency findings.
Failed effort by campaign associates to dissolve another party
Flatwater Free Press reviewed records showing that two paid 2024 Osborn staffers and other associates joined the Legal Marijuana NOW Party's leadership, then supported an effort to dissolve it in 2025.9 The secretary of state rejected the dissolution request after concluding that the group did not appear to have authority to act for the party.9 Osborn's spokesman said the candidate had nothing to do with those activities and noted that people could have connections to both organizations.9