Story perspectives

Independent Osborn Nears Ricketts as Democrats Sit Out

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mike Osborn, former union leader, entered the Nebraska Senate race as an independent, centering his 2021 Kellogg’s strike leadership.
Recent polls place Osborn one percentage point behind Republican candidate Ricketts, while he left the Democratic Party citing the national brand’s toxicity to Great Plains voters.
Nebraska Democrats are not fielding a candidate, hoping a Forbes or Burbank primary win will let them endorse Osborn and unite the anti-Ricketts vote.

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Story summary

Mike Osborn, former union leader, entered the Nebraska Senate race as an independent, centering his 2021 Kellogg’s strike leadership.
Recent polls place Osborn one percentage point behind Republican candidate Ricketts, while he left the Democratic Party citing the national brand’s toxicity to Great Plains voters.
Nebraska Democrats are not fielding a candidate, hoping a Forbes or Burbank primary win will let them endorse Osborn and unite the anti-Ricketts vote.