Daniel L. Osborn was born March 29, 1975, in Omaha, Nebraska. His mother was a seamstress; his father, Gary, worked for Union Pacific Railroad in labor positions before moving to management. Osborn served in the U.S. Navy for four years after high school and later in the Nebraska Army National Guard. Starting in 2004, he worked as an industrial mechanic at the Kellogg's Omaha plant, where he rose to president of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 50G. He became nationally prominent leading a 77-day strike in 2021 demanding fair wages and ending a two-tier pay system. After being fired by Kellogg's (he claims retaliation for union activities; company disputed this), he transitioned to boiler maintenance and repair at Boys Town. In 2024, running as an independent against incumbent Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, Osborn garnered 47% of the vote, losing by just over 6 percentage points—the strongest performance by an independent in a Nebraska U.S. Senate race ever and remarkable in a state Trump carried by 20 points. He is married to Megan, has three children, is Catholic, and has been registered as a nonpartisan voter since at least 2004.
Osborn grew up in Omaha after his family moved there when he was seven. His father worked for Union Pacific Railroad and later became a Republican Dodge County Commissioner. After graduating high school, Osborn enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years on active duty, and later joined the Nebraska Army National Guard. In 2004, he began working as an industrial mechanic at Kellogg's Omaha plant, eventually rising to become president of the local union (Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 50G). He led the high-profile 2021 strike lasting 77 days against two-tier pay system, gaining national prominence as a labor leader. After being fired (he claims retaliation; company disputed), he transitioned to boiler maintenance and repair work at Boys Town while maintaining union membership. Osborn is married to Megan, has three children, is Catholic, and has maintained nonpartisan voter registration since at least 2004.
Anti-billionaire, pro-worker populist; supports strong labor rights and wages
Core campaign message contrasts Osborn's working-class background with Ricketts' inherited wealth and billionaire status. Osborn argues tax cuts benefit billionaires at workers' expense and supports policies helping family farms and small businesses. He criticizes the 'race to the bottom' where wealth migrates to the top.
Voting History: As union leader, led 2021 Kellogg's strike demanding fair wages and end to two-tier pay system; claims he was fired for union activities. In 2024 campaign, received endorsement from UAW and AFGE, major labor unions supporting his working-class message.
Support expanded ACA benefits, including enhanced tax credits
Osborn argued Democrats were right to seek congressional leverage for extending enhanced ACA tax credits to prevent sharp health insurance premium increases. He focuses on kitchen table issues including affordability of prescriptions and medical care.
Voting History: As labor leader, fought for worker healthcare benefits; as political candidate, consistently advocated for ACA expansion and worker protections.
Nuanced: support legal immigration, enforce border, criticize corporate exploitation
Osborn argues legal immigration 'helped build this country and is critical to Nebraska's economy,' but illegal immigration creates 'pool of cheap labor with no rights.' He claims corporations benefit from open borders to exploit workers and dodge paying taxes. Supports bringing undocumented immigrants 'out of shadows with Social Security cards.'
Voting History: In 2024, positioned as having balanced approach to immigration; as independent, not bound by party orthodoxy on either side.
Cautious on military intervention; wary of 'endless wars'; concern for veterans
Osborn criticized U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in February 2026, saying he doesn't want to 'continue these endless wars' and questioning motivations. He emphasizes concern for veterans who 'made the ultimate sacrifice' and shouldn't be 'falling short of taking care of those people.' Expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself against October 7 attacks but concerned about mounting casualties.
Voting History: Received endorsement from A New Policy PAC, which aims to alter U.S. policy toward Israel, though Osborn stated commitment to fighting antisemitism and opposing nuclear Iran.
Pro-Second Amendment but supports some gun safety measures
Osborn supports 'fundamentally' the Second Amendment and opposes legislation dictating how private citizens conduct themselves, but backs 'reasonable gun safety measures' including gun safety education in schools. This balance appeals to both conservative gun owners and safety-minded voters.
Voting History: In 2024 campaign, maintained this nuanced position and received support from conservative voters alongside progressives.
Strong critic of 'two-party doom loop'; seeks to form independent caucus
Osborn wants to form an independent caucus in Senate rather than caucus with either party. He criticizes both major parties for failing working Americans and emphasizes finding common ground. However, he accepts support from Democrats while maintaining independent registration.
Voting History: Registered nonpartisan since at least 2004; in 2024, lost by only 6 points despite Trump winning state by 20 points, suggesting cross-partisan appeal; received endorsement from Reform Party in 2026.
Osborn's social media maintains a populist, working-class tone with direct criticism of wealth inequality and billionaire influence. Posts are often personal and relate to everyday concerns rather than abstract policy. Campaign coordinates social media activity with in-person appearances ('old school politics'), creating transparent, accessible online presence. Unlike Ricketts' more formal official tone, Osborn's style is conversational and emphasizes grassroots connection with voters.
Major announcement: 'I'm in. I'm running for Senate against billionaire Pete Ricketts. This race represents the foundational battle taking place in America right now: The Billionaire Class vs. The Working Class.'
Campaign launch announcement framing race as class conflict between working people and wealthy elite.
View post →Osborn is a 'fake independent' who is 'bought and paid for by his liberal, out-of-state, coastal donors' and will 'side with Chuck Schumer'
Ricketts campaign points to Osborn's reliance on Democratic super PACs ($3.85 million from Senate Majority PAC), Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee contributions, use of ActBlue fundraising platform, endorsement from Nebraska Democratic Party, and consultants with Democratic ties as evidence he is secretly a Democrat.
Osborn is 'a fake independent handpicked by Chuck Schumer, funded by Democrats, and backed by radical socialists'
NRSC ran digital ads in 2026 criticizing his social media history (including allegations about liking gay porn) and his stance on federal government shutdown, positioning him as too radical for Nebraska.
Osborn is a 'puppet' with 'far-left donors and consultants,' including ties to democratic socialist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Will Coup, Ricketts spokesman, noted that Osborn's senior adviser Morris Katz also worked for Mamdani, tying Osborn to democratic socialism and suggesting he's controlled by radical left figures.
Osborn is a 'phony independent' who Democrats should not support; strong Democrat should represent the party
Forbes, running in Democratic primary allegedly as GOP plant, argued voters 'want a strong Democrat who reaches across the aisle' rather than supporting Osborn, whose independence Forbes frames as phoniness.