Nebraska U.S. Senate Voter Guide: Ricketts, Osborn, Conboy and Richards on Priorities and Iran
Five names are on the ballot for U.S. Senate in Nebraska in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election: Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, the incumbent; independent Dan Osborn; Chuck Conboy of the America First Party; Robin Richards of the Nebraska Working People party; and Mike Marvin of the Legal Marijuana NOW party. Marvin suspended his campaign in August, citing health issues, and endorsed Osborn, but his name remains on the ballot, according to the Nebraska Examiner.
The Digital Free Press voter guide video for this race, based on Nebraska Public Media's voter guide, compares the four active candidates on their top priorities and the war in Iran. Here is where each candidate stands, based on the video and the candidates' own statements to Nebraska Public Media.
Pete Ricketts (Republican)
Ricketts served as Nebraska's governor from 2015 to 2023, was appointed to the Senate in 2023 and won a special election for the seat in 2024, according to Nebraska Public Media.
On top priorities, the video says Ricketts wants to cut red tape and regulations, including permitting reform. "I evangelize permitting reform and process improvement to everyone who comes into my office," he told Nebraska Public Media.
On Iran, the video says Ricketts considers the U.S. presence in the region essential for the country's safety. "Every Nebraskan who goes to the pump is paying higher gasoline prices," he said. "(But) a country that chants 'Death to America' cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon."
Dan Osborn (Independent)
Osborn served in the Navy and the Nebraska Army National Guard, worked as an industrial mechanic at the Kellogg's plant in Omaha and led his union's 2021 strike, according to Nebraska Public Media. He came within 7 percentage points of Sen. Deb Fischer in 2024.
On top priorities, the video lists campaign finance reform. "I wish our politicians woke up every single day and ask themselves, 'How can I help Nebraskans today?'" Osborn told Nebraska Public Media.
On Iran, the video says Osborn believes Iran must not have a nuclear weapon but criticizes military action taken without a plan or an exit strategy. He also said only Congress can declare war. "How can you trust me on issues of Iran and foreign wars if I'm taking defense contractor money," he said.
Chuck Conboy (America First Party)
Conboy was born in Nebraska, has lived there his whole life and has spent three decades selling floor coverings, countertops and cabinets. "I am not a politician," he told Nebraska Public Media.
On top priorities, the video lists lower health care and daycare costs and better education. Nebraska Public Media reported that he wants to advocate for lower- and middle-class Nebraskans and make education free or lower cost.
On Iran, the video says Conboy opposes U.S. involvement and says the money should stay in the country. He told Nebraska Public Media he is not an isolationist but puts "America first."
Robin Richards (Nebraska Working People Party)
Richards has served on the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education since 2019 and works with the Nebraska Arts Council, according to Nebraska Public Media.
On top priorities, the video lists education, disability services and tax credits that give families more room in their household budgets. "Rural healthcare, education, protecting disability services (are) everything," Richards said.
On Iran, the video notes that Richards did not address the issue in the Nebraska Public Media guide.
Where to Follow the Candidates
Pete Ricketts: @PeteRicketts on X. Dan Osborn: @osbornforne on Instagram. Chuck Conboy: @conboyforsenate on Instagram.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. This guide is for information only; The Digital Free Press does not endorse any candidate.
Yossi Schmidt, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, The Digital Free Press
Hold Everyone Accountable.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, "U.S. Senate voter guide: Meet the candidates in the rollercoaster race" (Sept. 23, 2026): https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/us-senate-voter-guide-rollercoaster-race-features-four-candidates/ ; Nebraska Examiner, "Nebraska Legal Marijuana NOW Senate candidate endorses Osborn after suspending campaign" (Aug. 21, 2026): https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/21/nebraska-legal-marijuana-now-senate-candidate-endorses-osborn-after-suspending-campaign/
Comments