The Nebraska Senate race is heating up in ways no one saw coming, as Dan Osborn, an independent candidate with backing from some controversial sources, is making waves. His goal? To unseat the well-established Republican Senator Debbie Fischer. And with just a few weeks until the election, the pressure is mounting, making this race one of the most intriguing to watch this cycle.
Osborn’s candidacy, while gaining traction, is stirring up the political landscape in Nebraska. As a mechanic and union leader, Osborn brings a working-class appeal that resonates with many Nebraskans. But it’s not just his background that’s shaking things up—it’s the support he’s receiving from two PACs: Retire Career Politicians and the Nebraska Railroaders for Public Safety. These organizations have poured a significant amount of money into his campaign, with Retire Career Politicians shelling out over $3 million, and the Nebraska Railroaders PAC contributing more than $400,000, including a portion specifically targeted against Fischer. This financial backing has caught the attention of political analysts and has even led to a shift in race ratings from "Solid Republican" to "Likely Republican" by the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball. These are the same ratings given to other high-profile races like Senator Ted Cruz’s contest in Texas and Senator Rick Scott's in Florida.
But here’s where things get really interesting—the money fueling Osborn's campaign has raised some eyebrows. Retire Career Politicians has received a whopping $800,000 from the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a dark money group with controversial ties. The fund, operated by the Washington, D.C., consulting firm Arabella Advisors, has been linked to big-name donors, including billionaire George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, which has funneled more than $75 million into the fund between 2016 and 2022. On top of that, the Sixteen Thirty Fund also donated $50,000 to the Nebraska Railroaders for Public Safety PAC. These connections have drawn criticism from both Republicans and political observers, casting a shadow over Osborn’s seemingly grassroots campaign.
Now, let’s talk about Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn and a prominent Democratic megadonor who has also thrown his financial weight behind Osborn. Hoffman donated $50,000 to Nebraska Railroaders for Public Safety last year, and his involvement has only fueled the controversy. It’s worth noting that Hoffman is a known supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris, which only adds another layer of political intrigue to this race.
For Fischer and her supporters, the message is clear: Osborn’s financial backing comes from sources that don’t align with Nebraska’s values. In fact, Fischer herself told Fox News Digital that she believes Nebraskans will be highly interested in learning more about the millions in dark money being funneled into her opponent’s campaign. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) also didn’t hold back in their criticism. NRSC Communications Director Mike Berg labeled Osborn a “radical,” accusing him of supporting policies like amnesty for illegal immigrants and advocating for giving Social Security benefits to undocumented individuals—stances Berg argues are far removed from what Nebraskans stand for.
But Osborn isn’t backing down. One of his campaign ads cleverly takes a swipe at Fischer, depicting her as being bought and paid for by lobbyists and special interest groups. In the ad, Fischer is compared to a race car driver with sponsor patches all over her jacket, while Osborn declares, “The only thing on the back of my jacket is Nebraska.” It’s a powerful visual that underscores Osborn’s campaign message: He’s not beholden to any political party or big-money donors, just the people of Nebraska.
Still, Osborn’s claim to independence has been questioned. Reports from two outlets suggest that he was a Democrat before switching to an independent in 2016. According to Osborn, this change came after feeling disenfranchised by the political climate during the Trump-Hillary debates. “I just kind of became disillusioned with the two parties,” he said in a previous interview. However, his campaign has since walked back those remarks, insisting that Osborn was misquoted and that his point was about how many labor union members traditionally align with the Democratic Party.
Despite the controversy surrounding his candidacy, Osborn remains focused on two core issues: challenging career politicians and addressing railroad safety. Mike Helmink, co-founder and treasurer of Nebraska Railroaders for Public Safety, explained that the PAC’s goal isn’t just about this election but building something for the future. "We would like to get this and be successful, get Dan elected, and then continue moving forward on the independents and also on railroad safety,” Helmink said. His remarks reflect the broader vision of Osborn’s campaign—one that hopes to make a long-lasting impact on both Nebraska’s political landscape and critical infrastructure issues.
This isn’t just about one race, though. Osborn’s run for Senate taps into a larger national conversation about dark money in politics, the role of independent candidates, and the influence of political action committees. His success or failure could serve as a bellwether for how voters view the increasing involvement of outside money in local and state races. The support from progressive donors and the controversy surrounding his backers make this race much more than a typical Senate contest. It’s a microcosm of the tension between grassroots populism and big-money influence.
And as Fischer continues to rake in donations from traditional Republican sources, Osborn’s campaign is betting on the fact that Nebraska voters are ready for a change. His stance against career politicians and his focus on safety regulations, particularly regarding the railroads, could strike a chord with voters who feel left behind by the political establishment. Yet, with Fischer’s strong Republican backing and the scrutiny over Osborn’s financial ties, this race is far from decided.
As election day draws near, all eyes are on Nebraska. Will Osborn’s outsider campaign pull off an upset, or will Fischer maintain her stronghold? Either way, this Senate race has become one to watch—not just for Nebraskans, but for political junkies across the country.
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