Osborn and Ricketts to debate for U.S. Senate at Nebraska State Fair

The Nebraska State Fair will host a U.S. Senate debate on September 1 at the Big Iron Events Center between incumbent Republican Senator Pete Ricketts and nonpartisan independent candidate Dan Osborn. The debate will be moderated by News Channel Nebraska, with a panel of reporters from several local news outlets participating.

Osborn, a Navy veteran and industrial mechanic, is running as a “Lifelong Independent” and has expressed dissatisfaction with both major political parties. Despite his independent status, the Nebraska Democratic Party is backing his candidacy in an effort to challenge Republican dominance in the state. Ricketts, who served as governor of Nebraska from 2015 to 2023, intends to use the debate to highlight his legislative record. The election is scheduled for November 3.