Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts is seeking to lock down his party's nomination in Nebraska's primary election on Tuesday, a contest that carries implications for the broader Senate map. Ricketts, appointed to the seat in early 2023 after Ben Sasse resigned, enjoys the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and is widely expected to prevail over any intraparty challengers.
On the Democratic side, Cindy Burbank and William Forbes are vying for their party's nod. Neither candidate has mounted a high-profile campaign, and the primary is largely seen as a formality before the general election in November.
But political observers are closely watching the independent candidacy of Dan Osborn, who made a surprisingly strong showing in the 2024 race against Republican Sen. Deb Fischer. Osborn's bid, which came closer than expected in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2012, has rattled GOP strategists and injected uncertainty into what is normally a safe Republican seat.
The Cook Political Report rates the Nebraska Senate race as leaning Republican, but analysts caution that Osborn's performance last cycle suggests the state's political dynamics may be shifting. The race is part of a broader trend of competitive contests in Nebraska, including the potential flip of a House seat following Rep. Don Bacon's retirement.
Ricketts, a former governor and wealthy businessman, has poured significant resources into his campaign. He has emphasized his alignment with Trump on border security, trade, and cultural issues, while also touting his record on economic development in Nebraska. His opponents have struggled to gain traction, but the primary will test whether Trump's endorsement remains decisive in a state where the former president remains popular.
For Democrats, the primary is less about the outcome and more about building infrastructure for a potential general election challenge. Burbank, a retired teacher, and Forbes, a small business owner, both lack statewide name recognition, but the party hopes to leverage Osborn's independent appeal to make the race competitive.
Polls close at 8 p.m. CDT, and Decision Desk HQ is tracking live results as they come in. The outcome will set the stage for a general election that could test Nebraska's Republican lean, particularly if Osborn decides to run again as an independent.
Meanwhile, the state's governor primary is also drawing attention, with Trump-endorsed incumbent Jim Pillen facing GOP challengers and Democrat Carol Walz leading her party's field. These races underscore the national focus on Nebraska as a potential battleground in the 2025-2026 cycle.
For now, all eyes are on whether Ricketts can avoid any primary surprises and whether Osborn's shadow will loom large over the general election. The results Tuesday will provide the first clear signal of what to expect in the fall.
