Nebraska Senate Primary: Burbank Wins Democratic Nod, But Pledges to Consider Dropping Out
Cindy Burbank defeated William Forbes in the Nebraska Democratic Senate primary, according to NBC News projections. Meanwhile, incumbent GOP Senator Pete Ricketts won the Republican primary.
A Complicated General Election Looms
The Democratic primary result sets up a potentially volatile general election dynamic. In 2024, independent candidate Dan Osborn ran a competitive Senate campaign, losing to GOP Senator Deb Fischer by just 7 points—despite Donald Trump carrying the state by 20 points.
Osborn has stated he will not caucus with either party if elected. Republicans have criticized him as a Democrat, citing his private praise of Senator Bernie Sanders.
The Nebraska Democratic Party initially chose not to field a candidate, hoping to clear the field for Osborn. William Forbes filed as a Democrat late, raising concerns he might be a Republican plant. Forbes denied this.
Burbank's Conditional Victory
In a phone interview, Burbank said she would consider ending her campaign and backing Osborn if she lacks a clear path to victory.
She denied entering the primary with the intent to drop out, stating she would decide based on polling and in time to remove her name from the November ballot.
Burbank said she entered the race after hearing Republicans might place a Democrat on the ballot. She declined to specify who encouraged her but said they were not connected to the state party chair or Osborn's campaign.
She criticized party chair Jane Kleeb for suggesting she intended to drop out. However, Burbank's campaign website mentions Osborn multiple times, including that "he deserves a fair shot against Ricketts." Burbank acknowledged Osborn could be on the ballot and said it would be unfair to stay on and take votes from him.
Key Election Details
- Osborn told NBC News in 2024 that he wrote in United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain for president.
- Trump has endorsed Ricketts, who is running for his first full term after winning a special election in 2024.