Trump to Campaign in Nebraska as GOP Faces Close Senate Race in Red State

President Donald Trump is set to campaign in Nebraska next week as Republican Senator Pete Ricketts battles incumbent independent Dan Osborn in a closely watched Senate race. Though Nebraska is typically a safe Republican stronghold, this election is proving to be more competitive due to President Trump's declining national approval ratings, which have plummeted due to voter dissatisfaction with the economy, housing costs, and gas prices as a result of the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The GOP is working hard to motivate their base and ensure Ricketts retains his seat ahead of the midterm elections.

Osborn, a labor leader who refuses to caucus with either party if elected, has gained notable traction after his 7-point loss to Republican Senator Deb Fischer in the 2024 Senate race. His showing was viewed as an overperformance given Nebraska's history of voting for Republicans, and Trump's significant victory on the same ticket. Republican National Committee spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre praised Ricketts as a "proven business leader and public servant" and expressed confidence in his ability to secure the win.

Trump is set to rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, on Monday, where he is expected to speak at about 6 p.m. His presence in Nebraska could help energize the Republican base and motivate voters to participate in the upcoming elections. Osborn, however, argues that Ricketts has abandoned the principles Trump campaigned on, such as opposing forever wars, standing up to China, lowering grocery costs, and securing the border.

Despite the race being seen as a referendum on Trump, two Democratic polls have shown Osborn and Ricketts tied at 47 percent each.