Republican Pete Ricketts won a full six-year term in the U.S. Senate after defeating independent Dan Osborn in Nebraska’s general election Tuesday, according to unofficial results reported early Wednesday.
Ricketts held about 50% of the vote, while Osborn had just under 44%, based on the results available as of Wednesday morning. The figures remain unofficial while Nebraska election officials complete the statewide canvass and certification process.
A full term after an appointment
The election victory extends Ricketts’ service in the Senate beyond the seat he first entered in 2023. He was appointed to the position that year and will now serve a full six-year term representing Nebraska in Washington.
In remarks after the race was called, Ricketts thanked Nebraska voters and identified agriculture, economic growth and national security as issues he intends to continue addressing in the Senate. Those areas affect Nebraska’s federal policy and funding interests, including farm programs, trade and national defense.
- Ricketts: about 50% of the unofficial vote.
- Osborn: just under 44% of the unofficial vote.
- Term: Ricketts will serve a full six-year Senate term after entering the chamber by appointment in 2023.
Osborn addressed supporters late Tuesday night after the result became clear. He described his campaign as an effort to give working-class people representation in Washington and the Senate.
“This campaign started with the truth that working class people deserve a seat at the table in Washington D.C. and the United States Senate.”
The statewide result was part of Nebraska’s Nov. 3 general election, which also included races for the state’s three U.S. House seats. The results for the Senate race will become final after county election officials complete their work and the statewide canvass and certification process is finished.
Ricketts will continue representing Nebraska alongside the state’s other U.S. senator and its three House members. The Senate term will place agriculture, economic policy and national security among the issues he identified for his continued work on behalf of the state.
