Independent Senate Candidates Pledged to Caucus Together
Senate candidates Dan Osborn and Brian Bengs announced a plan to work together if elected to the U.S. Senate.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Political Parties
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Independent U.S. Senate candidates Dan Osborn of Nebraska and Brian Bengs of South Dakota have formally pledged to caucus with one another if both secure seats in the upcoming election. The joint announcement comes as both candidates seek to distance themselves from major political party affiliations.
Why it matters
The move addresses persistent voter questions regarding which major party these independent hopefuls would align with upon reaching the Capitol. By forming a potential bloc, they aim to emphasize their commitment to independent governance over traditional partisan ties.
Candidates Dan Osborn and Brian Bengs released their formal intent on September 24. Their unified caucus strategy remains contingent on both individuals winning their respective Senate races.
The players
Dan Osborn
He is an independent candidate seeking election to the U.S. Senate in Nebraska.
Brian Bengs
He is an independent candidate seeking election to the U.S. Senate in South Dakota.
The details
Dan Osborn, running in Nebraska, and Brian Bengs, representing South Dakota, issued a joint statement to clarify their post-election strategy. This partnership seeks to provide voters with a clearer understanding of how they would navigate the Senate floor without joining the Democratic or Republican caucuses.
Timeline
The candidates announced their plan to caucus together on September 24, 2026.
Political Context
This strategy marks a departure from the established precedent of independent senators like Angus King or Bernie Sanders, who have historically integrated into major party caucuses. It challenges the conventional view that independent lawmakers must eventually align with one of the two dominant parties to gain legislative influence.
Voters in Nebraska and South Dakota now have a defined answer regarding the legislative independence of these specific candidates. This policy commitment directly influences how residents evaluate the efficacy of electing non-partisan officials who intend to operate outside traditional party lines.
The takeaway
This pledge represents a rare effort to maintain institutional independence by creating a formal voting bloc outside the two-party system. Voters considering independent candidates should monitor whether such partnerships can effectively navigate the committee-based structure of the U.S. Senate.
Further reading
For additional context on how legislative blocs function, visit the Political Parties section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ballot Access News.
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