Republican Senator Pete Ricketts has won re-election to the United States Senate from Nebraska, defeating independent challenger Dan Osborn, the Associated Press has called.
The call came early on Wednesday, November 4, after a count in which Osborn led in early partial returns before Ricketts moved ahead as more votes were tallied. At the Associated Press’s latest check, with 89.86 percent of precincts reporting, Ricketts led with 367,378 votes to Osborn’s 319,810. The figures remain unofficial until certification by the Nebraska Secretary of State.
A first full six-year term
Ricketts, 62, entered the Senate by appointment: Governor Jim Pillen appointed him in January 2023 to replace Republican Senator Ben Sasse, and he then won a 2024 special election. This victory gives him his first full six-year term.
Osborn, 51, ran as an independent in a race with no Democrat on the ballot, which made the contest unusually competitive for traditionally Republican Nebraska. President Donald Trump travelled to Nebraska on October 5 to campaign for Ricketts, appearing at a rally in Grand Island.
A closely watched challenge
Early election-night returns showed Osborn ahead, at about 52.9 percent to 41.8 percent with roughly 37 percent counted, according to NBC News figures reported overnight, before the lead reversed as counting continued. Decision Desk HQ also projected a Ricketts win.
The result keeps Nebraska’s Senate seat in Republican hands. It does not change the overall Senate outcome: Democrats had already been projected to win control of the chamber, flipping seats in states including South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Ohio, Kansas and Iowa. Read our earlier coverage: Democrats Win Senate Control in 2026 Midterms and Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Race.
What happens next
The result will be certified by Nebraska election authorities, and final official totals will follow once counting is complete. Until then, all vote figures should be treated as unofficial.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Pete Ricketts? The Republican incumbent senator from Nebraska, appointed in January 2023 and elected in a 2024 special election before this first full-term win.
Who is Dan Osborn? An independent challenger who ran without a Democrat on the ballot, making the race one of the most closely watched Senate contests of the midterms.
When will the result be official? After Nebraska election authorities certify the vote; the Associated Press figures cited here are unofficial.
Sources:
Associated Press election results, U.S. Senate, Nebraska
The Hindu, U.S. midterm elections 2026 live updates
The Indian Express, U.S. midterm elections results 2026 live updates
