Nebraska Democratic Party leaders have urged voters to back U.S. Senate primary candidate Cindy Burbank, who has stated she will withdraw from the general election to support independent challenger Dan Osborn against incumbent Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts.

The strategy aims to consolidate opposition to Ricketts in the solidly Republican state, where an independent may fare better than a Democrat. Burbank, a retired pharmacy technician, faces pastor William Forbes in the May 12 Democratic primary. Party Chair Jane Kleeb endorsed both Burbank and Osborn, declining to disavow the plan.

Burbank's campaign website explicitly states Osborn "deserves a fair shot against Ricketts," and she would drop out if nominated to back him. Osborn, a nonpartisan who received 46.5% against Sen. Deb Fischer in 2024, is gathering signatures for the November ballot. He uses the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue and has raised $3.8 million, far outpacing Democratic primary candidates.

Republicans have labeled Osborn a "phony independent" backed by national Democrats. An October FEC report showed $2,000 donations to Osborn from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md. Ricketts criticized Osborn's out-of-state funding in an X post, saying it promotes "California values" over Nebraska interests.

The race has seen ballot controversies. Secretary of State Bob Evnen removed Burbank in March, citing a lack of "good faith" due to her plans, but the Nebraska Supreme Court reinstated her, ruling objections untimely. Burbank also paid a filing fee for a third-party candidate, drawing coordinated maneuvering allegations. Democrats accuse Forbes of being a Ricketts "plant," noting his Trump votes and anti-abortion stance.

Ricketts, appointed in 2023 after Sen. Ben Sasse's resignation and winner of the 2024 special election, has raised nearly $4.9 million. He faces token Republican primary challengers and holds endorsements like former President Donald Trump's. Race forecasters rate it "Likely Republican."

Osborn has labor support, including the UAW, and endorsements from figures like Robert Reich. The Democratic primary outcome could shape the general election field, as Nebraska law bars party nominees from dropping out post-primary without replacement.