Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn recently brought his campaign's listening tour to the Nebraska Panhandle. On Sunday, September 29, 2025, Osborn met with approximately sixty residents at the Gering Civic Center. He discussed his background, outlined his reasons for running, and answered questions from the audience.
Osborn is challenging Republican Senator Pete Ricketts for the Senate seat. His tour aims to connect directly with voters across the state, focusing on concerns affecting everyday Nebraskans.
Key Takeaways
- Dan Osborn, an independent candidate, held a town hall in Gering, Nebraska.
- He discussed economic challenges, including housing affordability for younger generations.
- Osborn advocated for campaign finance reform and against corporate influence.
- He addressed criticisms about his independent status, countering with remarks about his opponent.
- This campaign follows his competitive 2024 Senate race.
Motivations Behind the Senate Bid
Osborn shared that his decision to run for the U.S. Senate again was influenced by his family. Initially, his family had reservations about his renewed political efforts. However, a conversation with his 22-year-old daughter changed his perspective.
His daughter expressed doubts about ever owning a home. This concern resonated deeply with Osborn, prompting him to investigate current housing trends.
Housing Affordability Facts
- The average age for a first-time homeowner in the U.S. is 38 years old.
- This is significantly higher than in previous generations, such as his parents' and grandparents' eras.
- The average home price in the United States exceeds $400,000.
According to Osborn, these figures highlight a growing sense of hopelessness among younger generations regarding economic prospects. He stated,
"And I said, ‘Man…’ and I looked it up. The average age for a new homeowner in this country is 38. That’s certainly not my parents and my grandparents generations numbers. And that average house price in this country is over $400,000. So, we do have a younger generation, for a multitude of reasons, they’re starting to feel hopeless. And, you know, that’s one of the reasons, at the end, we decided we had to do this."
This personal insight became a primary driver for his current campaign. He emphasized the need to address these significant economic challenges.
Advocating for the Working Class
Osborn, who identifies as a mechanic, stated that Nebraska needs a representative in the U.S. Senate who understands the lives of working-class individuals, not just millionaires. He believes his background provides a different perspective on national issues.
He highlighted several key areas he plans to focus on if elected. These include discussions about wealth transfer within the country and the need for significant campaign finance reform. Osborn also urged voters to resist the increasing influence of corporatism in America.
What is Corporatism?
Corporatism, in a political context, refers to a system where large corporate groups or organizations control or influence the state. Critics argue this can lead to policies that favor corporate interests over the general public's welfare.
He drew a strong parallel between corporatism and historical political movements.
"Trying to say, no, we are not going to be, you know, a corporate controlled country anymore. I mean, that’s… Mussolini started that in Italy, (and) that’s what that word means. It means a corporate state. That’s what fascism means, corporate state. And it’s hard for me to not see the corporations and the power that they have,"Osborn explained to the audience.
This statement underscored his belief that powerful corporations exert too much influence over national policy. He aims to challenge this status quo if he wins the election.
Addressing Political Independence and Criticisms
During the town hall, Osborn faced questions regarding his status as an independent candidate. Some critics have labeled him a "fake independent," suggesting he would align with Democrats if elected.
Osborn directly addressed these criticisms. He responded by questioning the political independence of his opponent, Senator Pete Ricketts. Osborn pointed out that both Senator Ricketts and his father had made substantial financial contributions to the campaign of Governor Jim Pillen.
This financial support occurred before Governor Pillen appointed Ricketts to his current Senate seat. Osborn used this information to suggest that perhaps Ricketts himself could be considered a "fake senator." This comment was met with applause from many attendees at the Gering Civic Center.
Osborn's Previous Campaign Performance
Osborn's current campaign builds on his performance in the 2024 Senate race. In that election, he challenged incumbent Republican Senator Deb Fischer. While he ultimately lost the race, he made it unexpectedly competitive.
He lost to Senator Fischer by a margin of just seven percentage points. This result was notable because the seat was widely considered a safe Republican win. Furthermore, Osborn's performance exceeded that of all Democratic candidates nationwide in their respective races.
His ability to draw significant support as an independent candidate in a traditionally Republican state demonstrates a potential for broader appeal. This background informs his current strategy to connect with voters across the political spectrum.
Looking Ahead for the Campaign
The listening tour stop in Gering is part of a larger effort by Osborn to engage with Nebraskans. His campaign focuses on practical issues like housing, economic opportunity, and reducing corporate influence in politics.
He continues to emphasize his background as a working-class individual. This identity is central to his message that the U.S. Senate needs voices that truly represent the concerns of average citizens.
As the election cycle progresses, Osborn plans to continue these direct engagements. He believes that understanding local issues and offering solutions that benefit all Nebraskans will be key to his success.
