Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer Narrowly Defeats Challenger Who Promised to Be the First Fully Independent U.S. Senator

Mar. 15, 2025

Sen. Deb Fischer, left, and Dan Osborn.Photo:HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty; Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty; Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

Republican Sen. Deb Fischer defeated independent challenger Dan Osborn, clinging to a Senate seat in deep-red Nebraska after asurprisingly competitive race, The Associated Press projects.

Nebraska had two senate races in 2024, the other being a special election in which Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts easily defeated his Democratic challenger. But in the race for Fischer’s seat, Democrats declined to run a candidate, hoping instead to boost Osborn’s chances.

Osborn, 49, a former labor union leader and Navy veteran who has never held elected office, has said he has always been registered as non-partisan. He also declined the endorsement of the Democratic Party.

Osborn ran on cutting taxes for the middle class and small business owners as well as campaigning on the need for a secure border. He also has come out against a national abortion ban, has touted his support of gun rights and believes marijuana should be legalized.

The race garnered significant national attention when polls indicated that the contest was going to be closer than could’ve been reasonably expected before this year.

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Fischer won her last race in 2018 with over 57% of the vote, while her Democratic opponent failed to reach even 40%. But the lack of a Democratic nominee in 2024 made it possible for Osborn to try and consolidate both Democratic support and voters who disapproved of Fischer’s leadership in his long-shot upset bid.

The 2024 Senate map has been seen as favorable to Republicans, with Democrats forced to defend seats in red states like Ohio and Montana while clinging to a slim majority.

source: people.com