Nebraska voters will head to the polls on November 5 to decide the state’s representation in Washington and the governor’s office. The race for the U.S. Senate is the most closely watched, featuring incumbent Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, who was appointed in 2023 and won a special election by more than 25 points, against independent candidate Dan Osborn, a longtime union organizer.
Senate race dynamics
Ricketts, the son of the founder of TD Ameritrade, has raised $14.5 million for his campaign, while Osborn has raised $11 million. Osborn says he will not caucus with either party, though he has received contributions from Democratic donors, a point Republicans cite as evidence of a likely Democratic alignment if he wins.
Osborn’s political résumé includes leading a 77‑day strike at the Kellogg’s plant in Omaha in 2021 and a 2024 Senate bid against Sen. Deb Fischer, where he fell short by 7 percentage points. Ranchers and beef producers have expressed concern about President Trump’s tariff policy and proposals to import more beef, fearing lower profits for Nebraska’s agricultural sector.
Governor’s race
Republican Gov. Jim Pillen, who took office in 2023, is seeking re‑election against Democrat Lynne Walz, a former state senator. The race has drawn national attention, with President Trump campaigning in Grand Island alongside Pillen, Ricketts and other state Republicans. Trump told a rally crowd, “When I’m on the ballot, people show up and you always win,” underscoring the administration’s support for the GOP ticket.
House contest in the 2nd District
In Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes Omaha, Democrat Denise Powell faces Republican Omaha City Councilor Brinker Harding for the open seat of retiring Rep. Don Bacon. Powell was added to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red‑to‑Blue program, signaling the party’s belief the district—Nebraska’s only district to vote for Kamala Harris in 2024—could be competitive.
Election logistics
Polls close at 7 p.m. Mountain Time (8 p.m. Central, 9 p.m. Eastern). Early and absentee ballots accounted for about 39 percent of the 2022 gubernatorial vote, and most counties are expected to release early‑vote totals early on election night. Recounts are automatic if the margin is 1 percent or less in races with more than 500 votes.
What to watch
- Whether Ricketts can maintain his sizable fundraising advantage and avoid the perception of being out of touch with Nebraskans’ concerns about agriculture and tariffs.
- How the governor’s race will be affected by President Trump’s presence on the campaign trail.
- If the 2nd District’s Democratic challenger can capitalize on the district’s recent support for a Democratic presidential candidate.
All results will be reported by the Associated Press, which will declare winners only after confirming that no remaining votes could change the outcome.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
