Nebraska Senate Candidates to Face Voters November 3
Senator Pete Ricketts seeks a full term in the U.S. Senate as Nebraskans head to the polls.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Elections
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Do you feel your current elected representatives are successfully lowering the cost of living in your area?
Senator Pete Ricketts faces challengers Dan Osborn, Robin Richards, Chuck Conboy, and Mike Marvin in the November 3, 2026, general election. Ricketts, who was appointed to the seat in 2023, won a special election in 2024.
Why it matters
The outcome of this race will help determine the legislative path for major pending items like the 2026 Farm Bill. Control of the Senate remains critical for passing national policies on agriculture and energy reform.
The U.S. House passed the 2026 Farm Bill in a 225-200 vote, while the Ratepayer Protection Act failed to clear the Senate with a 57-43 tally. Ricketts has visited all 93 Nebraska counties during his 12 years in elected office.
The players
Pete Ricketts
A U.S. Senator representing Nebraska who previously served as the state's governor.
Jim Pillen
The current Governor of Nebraska who appointed Pete Ricketts to his Senate seat in 2023.
Dan Osborn
A candidate running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Pete Ricketts.
The details
Candidates are navigating a legislative landscape that includes a pending Farm Bill and recent efforts to mandate energy policies. Congress aims to build on recent bipartisan housing reforms and infrastructure initiatives following the election.
Timeline
2018: The most recent farm bill was enacted.
2023: Governor Jim Pillen appointed Pete Ricketts to the Senate.
November 2024: Pete Ricketts won a special election.
March 2026: EPA issued an emergency waiver for E15 fuel sales.
April 30, 2026: The House passed its version of the Farm Bill.
Political Context
Opponents and dissenting officials highlight the failure of the Ratepayer Protection Act as evidence of legislative gridlock in the current Senate. They argue that the focus should remain on bipartisan cooperation rather than the partisan divide seen in recent chamber votes.
The legislative outcomes regarding the Farm Bill and energy policy will directly influence federal support programs and gas pricing in the state. Residents should monitor these policy shifts as they will impact local agricultural budgets and household fuel costs.
The takeaway
Voters will decide the state's representation in the Senate during a period marked by significant agricultural and energy debates. It is important for constituents to review the candidates' positions on the Farm Bill and energy mandates before casting their ballots.
What happens next
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will determine the occupancy of the Senate seat.
Further reading
Learn more about the upcoming vote on the Nebraska Elections page.
Live Poll
Do you feel your current elected representatives are successfully lowering the cost of living in your area?
