The proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern has become an issue in Nebraska’s U.S. Senate race, putting rail safety, transportation costs and jobs at the center of a contest that has tightened in its closing stretch.
Independent candidate Dan Osborn, a union steamfitter, opposes the deal. He has argued that combining the two rail companies could create risks for workers and increase costs for industries that rely on freight service. Osborn’s father was injured while working for Omaha-based Union Pacific when Osborn was 16.
Sen. Pete Ricketts supports the merger, saying it would produce job gains and higher wages, according to reporting by Axios. The proposed transaction is valued at $85 billion and still requires approval from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.
Rail industry has a large Nebraska presence
Nebraska is a major rail state, with Union Pacific headquartered in Omaha and a large rail yard in North Platte. Osborn has used the proposed transaction to criticize the relationship between rail companies and members of Congress, including campaign contributions made through political action committees.
“It’s a huge rail state. North Platte has the biggest rail yard in the world.” — Dan Osborn
Osborn said farmers who depend on rail transportation are concerned that the merger could increase their costs. He also criticized federal lawmakers for accepting donations from Class I railroads and for not passing the Rail Safety Act. Osborn has declined PAC money, while Ricketts has received contributions from both Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern through PACs.
Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tysve said the company invited Osborn to discuss the merger and learn more about the transaction.
“Union Pacific invited Dan Osborn to sit down with us and to learn more about the merger. It is a standing invitation. We would welcome the opportunity to sit down and talk.” — Robynn Tysve
Federal review remains ahead
The Surface Transportation Board is expected to decide on the merger sometime in 2027. Most, but not all, labor unions representing employees at the two companies oppose the transaction, according to Axios.
The Cook Political Report rates the Nebraska Senate race “lean Republican.” Ricketts’ campaign did not respond to an interview request cited in the coverage. The contest is scheduled for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
- Dan Osborn: Opposes the proposed merger and says it could affect worker safety and transportation costs.
- Pete Ricketts: Supports the deal and says it could produce job gains and higher wages.
- Surface Transportation Board: Expected to consider the merger in 2027.
