Democrats Target Nebraska Senate Seat as Potential GOP Upset

In Omaha, Marine Corps veteran Gunner Arellano, a longtime Trump supporter, said he will not vote for Sen. Pete Ricketts and instead will support independent Dan Osborn, who enjoys the endorsement of the Nebraska Democratic Party. Republicans have already spent $7 million on television ads and have $8 million scheduled through Election Day, while Osborn’s campaign and supporting groups have committed $3.5 million with another $1.5 million reserved.

Democrats see the race as one of the few possible pickups needed for a Senate majority, noting Ricketts’ perceived lack of presence and broader national dissatisfaction with the GOP. The contest also ties into the upcoming battle for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, where Rep. Don Bacon is retiring and Democrats hope to capitalize on the district’s occasional support for Democratic presidential candidates. Party officials on both sides argue that money may not decide the outcome, with Democrats pointing to voter fatigue with Ricketts and Republicans warning that outside groups could push the race back to a safe red seat. Voters like Sally Guest, a nurse, cite health-care costs and Ricketts’ support for cuts to the Affordable Care Act as reasons to back Osborn, while some former Democrats such as Todd Going remain wary of a perceived leftward shift in the Democratic Party.