Dan Osborn says he has the signatures needed to reach Nebraska’s fall ballot as a U.S. Senate candidate

OMAHA — Dan Osborn of Omaha, a nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate, said Thursday that his campaign had gathered enough signatures to petition his way onto the November ballot.

To reach the general election ballot as a nonpartisan, he must submit 4,000 signatures from registered voters, including 750 in each of the state’s three congressional districts. He said his campaign would keep gathering signatures for an extra cushion. Signatures must be turned in to the Secretary of State’s Office for verification by Sept. 3.

The Omaha union leader, who is known for his work during a 77-day Kellogg’s strike, spoke at a news conference announcing an endorsement from the Nebraska State AFL-CIO.

Lori Meyers, representing the group of unions, said it was time to elect more people who would make it easier to join unions and argue for better pay and benefits.

“Corporate America has limitless money. … We must have limitless energy to fight back,” she said. “We need leaders who walk the walk to help America’s workers and our families.”

Osborn, who said he was speaking during his lunch break, said he was “tired of the country club politicians making our laws for us” for special interests.

“There’s nobody like us in the United States Senate,” he said. “I will be a champion for all working people in Nebraska.”

Fischer touts union endorsement, too

Osborn’s likely opponent, Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, announced a union endorsement of her own Thursday from the Omaha Police Officers Association.

Sgt. Anthony Conner, the union president, said it was the first time the union under his leadership had endorsed a Senate candidate. He has been president since 2018.

He praised Fischer’s work in Congress to help fund additional police officers, equipment, training and more, calling her “a consistent and reliable advocate” for law enforcement.

Fischer, who is seeking a third Senate term, said she prioritizes national and local safety and security and said she respects and appreciates “the selfless work carried out by our police on a daily basis.” 

She is a former state senator and school board member for the Valentine Community Schools.

The race lacks a Democratic candidate. The Nebraska Democratic Party is weighing whether to support Osborn.