LINCOLN, Neb. – A new poll released by the campaign of Dan Osborn, a mechanic seeking the U.S. Senate, says the race with incumbent Sen. Pete Ricketts is currently tied. The survey, commissioned by Osborn’s team, reports that 47% of Nebraskans support each candidate, with 5% undecided.
Osborn says the poll reflects voter frustration with career politicians
“This poll tells us what I hear every day across Nebraska,” Osborn said at a press conference. “Nebraska families are sick of career politicians and billionaires who think they can buy a Senate seat, hide behind millions in slick ads, and never answer to the people.” He added that Ricketts’ spending has not shifted voter sentiment and that working Nebraskans are ready to send a message to Washington by replacing a billionaire with a mechanic.
Ricketts campaign disputes the findings
Max Oberg, deputy campaign manager for Ricketts, dismissed the poll as skewed. “Desperate campaigns leak polls. Winning campaigns don’t have to,” Oberg said. He referenced internal polling from 2024 that showed a 12‑point gap in Osborn’s favor, characterizing the current release as a “gasp for air” from a campaign he described as riddled with infighting and staff turnover.
What the numbers mean for the upcoming election
The poll’s methodology was not disclosed, but its headline figure of a 47‑percent tie suggests a competitive environment as the primary season approaches. If the race remains this close, both campaigns will likely intensify outreach to undecided voters, who currently make up 5% of the sample.
Osborn’s campaign has focused on a message of working‑class representation, positioning himself as a contrast to Ricketts’ wealth and long tenure in the Senate. Ricketts, meanwhile, has emphasized his experience and legislative record, while questioning the credibility of opponent‑sponsored polling.
Local reaction
Lincoln residents expressed mixed reactions at a town‑hall meeting held after the poll’s release. Some praised Osborn’s emphasis on family values and local jobs, while others warned that personal attacks could distract from substantive policy discussions.
Both campaigns have pledged to continue traveling across the state, holding meet‑and‑greets in rural communities and urban centers alike, as they seek to solidify support before the primary election later this year.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
