OMAHA, NE – Dan Osborn, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Nebraska Army National Guard, a steamfitter and industrial mechanic from Omaha, announced today that he will be a candidate for the United States Senate as an independent (nonpartisan) candidate. Osborn will challenge Senator Deb Fischer in the 2024 Nebraska Senate race.
In 2021, Osborn gained national attention when he led the successful strike at Kellogg’s in Omaha as president of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) Local 50G.
“Two years ago, I successfully led the strike to preserve 500 middle-class jobs here in Nebraska. It didn’t matter what party you belonged to. We came together to find solutions and move forward,” Osborn said.
“I will bring together workers, farmers, ranchers, and small business owners across Nebraska around bread-and-butter issues that appeal across party lines. I believe Nebraska can show the rest of America a better way forward,” he said.
Osborn, 48, graduated from Roncalli Catholic High School in 1994. Following in his father’s footsteps, he joined the United States Navy and served for 4 years as an SK aboard the USS Constellation CV-64, completing two Western Pacific cruises and two Rimpac cruises. After serving in the Nebraska National Guard, he began working full time at Kellogg’s in 2004 as an industrial mechanic.
“Working long hours, I made a middle-class living for myself, my wife Megan, and my three children,” Osborn said.
“Whether it was keeping the supply chain moving on an aircraft carrier or repairing fire safety equipment to prevent disaster – If something is broken, I roll up my sleeves and fix it.”
“There is widespread and bipartisan fear of losing what remains of Nebraska’s small businesses and family farms. I will make protecting small businesses, family farmers, and workers my top priority,” Osborn said.
“In the face of widespread frustration with Congressional leadership of both parties, as the next United States Senator from Nebraska, I am uniquely capable of moving the country past partisan gridlock. We have the opportunity to be the most viable independent campaign in America,” he said.
“Historically, Nebraska has produced leaders who think in terms of issues, not parties; politicians with broad appeal across party lines, who could bring people together around common goals. The divisions in this country are threatening our great democratic experiment. Nebraskans are looking for a leader not a politician,” Osborn said.
In order to qualify for the November ballot, Osborn’s campaign needs to collect at least 4,000 signatures from registered Nebraska voters by September 1, 2024.
What others say about Dan Osborn
“Dan Osborn has been in the trenches fighting for working men and women in Nebraska. Dan offers hope to all workers in Nebraska regardless of political party; a common sense approach to government, and a realignment of our moral and economic compass back to Nebraska.” Jeff Cooley, President, Midwest Nebraska Central Labor Council and registered Democrat.
“It’s time we stop electing the same folks from the same groups over and over again – It’s time we do something different. Dan Osborn will bring a much needed voice for small town Nebraska to Washington.” Lawrence Mozena, President, Weeping Water City Council and registered Independent (nonpartisan).
“Dan grew up wanting to make life better for everyone, regardless of what party you belong to. Dan Osborn is what Nebraska needs – a hard working, blue-collar, common sense guy who will bring true change to Washington.” Gary Osborn, former Dodge County Commissioner, registered Republican and Dan’s dad.
Osborn will officially launch his campaign on October 5, at 6 p.m. at The Hitch, 7013 Dodge Street, Omaha.
For more information about Dan and the campaign, visit OsbornForSenate.com.
