Dan Osborn’s Stand Against Political Endorsements

Lincoln, Nebraska, September 26, 2025

News Summary

Independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn has taken a bold stance by rejecting political endorsements, highlighting the impact of divisive rhetoric following the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. Osborn’s remarks underscore the concerning trend in political discourse and emphasize the need for reform. With a focus on campaign finance and fair competition, Osborn aims to represent working-class Nebraskans as he prepares for the upcoming Senate election in Nebraska.

Lincoln, Nebraska: Dan Osborn Takes a Bold Stand

In a world filled with political noise and divisiveness, Dan Osborn, an independent candidate vying for a U.S. Senate seat, has recently made headlines with his declaration to reject any political or party endorsements. This decision comes amidst the backdrop of a tragic event that has shaken the political landscape—the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk, which Osborn has called one of the most horrific incidents in recent memory.

Osborn expressed deep sympathy for the family of Kirk, noting that this devastating loss will have enduring effects, particularly on the younger individuals who witnessed the tragedy. It’s a moment that highlights the increasing tension and inflammatory rhetoric permeating our political discourse.

A Surge in Divisive Rhetoric

Following the shocking news of Kirk’s assassination, a disturbing trend emerged; a wave of divisive remarks surged from both sides of the political spectrum. On one hand, some voices on the left expressed sentiments like “good riddance” or “this was karma”. On the other hand, right-wing commentators resorted to inciting violence, declaring, “this is war.” This kind of response is not just alarming but reflects a deeper issue at play.

Osborn placed a significant portion of the blame on social media platforms and the tech billionaires who manage them. He pointed out that these companies have turned outrage and anger into a profitable business model, much like the gambling industry, which uses addictive strategies to keep users engaged. Drawing from insights found in Natasha Schüll’s book “Addiction by Design,” it’s clear that online platforms create feedback loops that capture and hold users’ attention, often promoting incendiary content.

The Research Behind It

A study from Tulane University also supports Osborn’s assertions, suggesting that people are naturally drawn to voice their outrage towards those with opposing views. This dynamic leads to higher levels of engagement on social media, which can often escalate conflicts and division. Numerous studies link increased use of social media to radicalization and deteriorating mental health, especially among younger people, raising serious concerns about the current state of our online interactions.

Osborn’s Campaign and Priorities

As Osborn gears up for the upcoming 2026 U.S. Senate election in Nebraska, he is stepping into a challenging arena, going head-to-head with incumbent Senator Pete Ricketts. In a previous run against Senator Deb Fischer in 2024, he lost by a narrow margin of seven percentage points, but believes that his message is more crucial than ever.

With a rich background as a U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the Nebraska National Guard, Osborn has a strong commitment to his community. His experience as a former union leader adds another layer to his appeal, especially when you consider his role in leading a 77-day strike against Kellogg’s in 2021, which secured significant advancements for workers.

On the campaign trail, Osborn emphasizes issues that resonate deeply with working-class Nebraskans, particularly advocating for campaign finance reform and dismantling monopolistic structures that hinder fair competition. He strives to be a representative for the people rather than the interests of a particular political party.

Interestingly, the Nebraska Democratic Party has yet to field a candidate for the Senate race, which might mean that Osborn’s challenge could be more significant than anyone anticipates. It’ll definitely be an exciting political season in Nebraska as the race heats up!

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Additional Resources

• Chadron Radio: Dan Osborn Town Hall
• KETV: Nebraska Senate Race Begins
• CBS News: Nebraska Senate Race Overview
• Politico: Dan Osborn’s Senate Run
• Nebraska Examiner: Dan Osborn Launches Senate Bid
• Wikipedia: Senate of the United States
• Google Search: Dan Osborn Nebraska
• Google Scholar: Dan Osborn Senate
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Dan Osborn
• Google News: Dan Osborn 2026

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.