In a race that drew national attention and tens of millions of dollars to Nebraska, Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts prevailed over independent Dan Osborn, securing his first full six-year term in the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts delivers a victory speech during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Wednesday in Bellevue.
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U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts laughs while speaking with guests during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts addresses the media while waiting for election results during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
Photos: Election Night in Nebraska
Madison Johnson holds her son Otto while filling out her ballot at Pound Middle School on Election Day on Tuesday.
Voters cast their ballots at Pound Middle School on Election Day on Tuesday.
Poll worker Danielle Bugay, from left, sets up an additional voting booth while Linda Barr and Michael Lutley fill out their ballots at Pound Middle School on Election Day on Tuesday.
Voters cast their ballots at the Maxey Elementary School on Election Day on Tuesday.
A voter casts a ballot at Pound Middle School on Election Day on Tuesday.
Amira Harrington votes at the Sheldon Museum of Art on Election Day on Tuesday.
Voters cast their ballots at Maxey Elementary School on Election Day on Tuesday.
Voters cast their ballots at Pound Middle School on Election Day on Tuesday.
Jane Bitney sits at desk as she casts her ballot at Maxey Elementary School on Election Day on Tuesday.
A roll of "future voter" stickers at Pound Middle School on Election Day on Tuesday.
A ballot box is manned by a poll worker at Pound Middle School on Election Day on Tuesday.
Janell Winsor sits at a small cabinet as she casts her ballot at Maxey Elementary School on Election Day on Tuesday.
The first voters of the day at Maxey Elementary School line up before the polls open in their district on Election Day on Tuesday.
Janell Winsor sits at a small cabinet as she casts her ballot at Maxey Elementary School on Election Day on Tuesday.
Linda Barr fills out her ballot at Pound Middle School on Election Day on Tuesday.
Voters cast their ballots at the Sheldon Museum of Art on Election Day on Tuesday.
Voters fill out ballots at First Christian Church on Election Day on Tuesday.
Voters fill out ballots on Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church during Election Day in Lincoln.
A ballot box at the Unitarian Church of Lincoln during Election Day in Lincoln.
A roll of "future voter" stickers for children sits on a table on Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church during Election Day in Lincoln.
A sign reminds voters of a photo ID requirement on Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church during Election Day in Lincoln.
A map shows rural voting precincts on Tuesday at First Christian Church during Election Day in Lincoln.
Election official Nancy Packard hands a ballot to a voter on Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church during Election Day in Lincoln.
Voters stand in line on Tuesday at First Christian Church during Election Day in Lincoln.
A voter fills out a ballot on Tuesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church during Election Day in Lincoln.
Allie Luedtke, center, waves to a familiar face as she votes alongside her husband Tad Luedtke, left, on Tuesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Lindsay Nielsen works on her ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Unitarian Church of Lincoln during Election Day in Lincoln.
Christie Schwartzkoph Schroff explains the ballots before handing them to a voter Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Unitarian Church of Lincoln during Election Day in Lincoln.
Voters work on their ballots in booths set up in the art gallery on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Unitarian Church of Lincoln during Election Day in Lincoln.
Mohamed “DJ Zion” Jalloh performs in the parking lot on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Unitarian Church of Lincoln during Election Day in Lincoln. Today, Jalloh performed as a part of “DJs at the Polls,” a national, non-partisan initiative to encourage voter turnout.
Joey Spellerberg visits with attendees of an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg speaks with guests during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts laughs while speaking with guests during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts shakes hands with a guest during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
Former state Sen. Julie Slama speaks with guests during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
KETV Reporter Waverle Monroe interviews U.S. Rep. Mike Flood during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Omaha.
Kristen Anderson, right, the Democratic candidate running for Lancaster County Clerk of the District Court, visits with Thia Hartley at the Lancaster County Democrats' watch party Tuesday at The Post.
The Algorhythms perform at the Lancaster County Democrats' watch party on Tuesday at The Post.
A television plays election coverage as guests mingle during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
Guests mingle during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, right, shakes hands with guests during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
10/11 reporter Darsha Dodge interviews Attorney General Mike Hilgers during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
U.S. Rep. Mike Flood speaks with a member of the press during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Omaha.
Attorney General Mike Hilgers speaks with KETV reporter Waverle Monroe during an election night watch party on Tuesday at the Beardmore Event Center in Bellevue.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts takes a phone call during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
Chris Backemeyer attends an election night watch party at Bin 105 in the Haymarket on Tuesday.
Chris Backemeyer attends a watch party at Bin 105 in the Haymarket on Tuesday.
The Algorhythms perform at the Lancaster County Democrats watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at The Post in Lincoln.
Patty Pansing Brooks, the Democratic candidate for District 28 legislative seat, soirees at the Lancaster County Democrats watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at The Post in Lincoln.
Lancaster County Attorney candidate Randy Ritnour soirees at the Lancaster County Democrats watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at The Post in Lincoln.
Lancaster County Democratic Party Chair Hannah Wroblewski speaks at the Lancaster County Democrats watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at The Post in Lincoln.
Guests watch as the results for the Fairness for Girls initiative begin to roll in during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Bellevue.
U.S Rep. Don Bacon is speaks with guests during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Bellevue.
U.S Rep. Don Bacon is is seen with guests during an election night watch party at the amongst guests as the Beardsmore Event Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Bellevue.
Guests watch as the results for NE 441 begin to roll in during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
Attendees of a Lancaster County Republican watch party watch news coverage Tuesday at Venue 5 Twenty-Two.
Attendees of a Lancaster County Republican election watch party look at results Tuesday at Venue 5 Twenty-Two.
Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon (from left), Norris School Board Ward 6 candidate Craig Gana and county sheriff candidate Ben Houchin watch results at a Republican watch party at Venue 5 Twenty-Two in Lincoln on Tuesday night.
Lancaster County commissioner Matt Schulte speaks at a Lancaster County Republican watch party at Venue 5 Twenty-Two on Tuesday.
The Algorhythms perform at the Lancaster County Democrats watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at The Post in Lincoln.
Patty Pansing Brooks, the Democratic candidate for District 28 legislative seat, soirees at the Lancaster County Democrats watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at The Post in Lincoln.
U.S Rep. Don Bacon is speaks with reporters during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Bellevue.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, left, speaks with guests during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Bellevue.
U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, left, meets with guests during an election night watch party on Tuesday at the Beardmore Event Center in Bellevue.
Lynne Walz, Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, addresses her supporters during an election watch party in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Supporters cheer on as CNN announces Joshua Turek to win in Iowa's U.S. Senate election during an election watch party in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Supporters cheer on as Lynne Walz, Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, speaks during an election watch party in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Lynne Walz, Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, addresses her supporters during an election watch party in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Lynne Walz, Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, addresses her supporters during an election watch party in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Lynne Walz, Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, addresses her supporters during an election watch party in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Lynne Walz, Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, addresses her supporters during an election watch party in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Lynne Walz, Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, high-fives Ben Steffen, Democratic candidate for Nebraska Lt. Governor, as she addresses supporters during an election watch party in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Lynne Walz, Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, addresses her supporters during an election watch party in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg, right, is joined by his family as he claims victory during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, in Bellevue.
Attorney General Mike Hilgers points to a member of the audience as he gives a victory speech during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, in Bellevue.
Attorney General Mike Hilgers embraces Sen. Pete Ricketts after as he gives a victory speech during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, in Bellevue.
Dan Kinsella and Kari Kinsella react after Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly speaks at the Jim Pillen watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
Dan Kinsella and Kari Kinsella react after Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly speaks at the Jim Pillen watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
A guest pokes at his phone at the Jim Pillen watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
A guest sports a MAGA hat at the Jim Pillen watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
Governor Jim Pillen’s grandchildren speak at the Pillen watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
Former State Sen. Tom Brewer enjoys a beer with a fellow guest at the Jim Pillen watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
A guest enjoys a beverage at the Jim Pillen watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
State Sen. Mike Jacobson speaks at the Jim Pillen watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly speaks at the Jim Pillen watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts addresses the media while waiting for election results during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, in Bellevue.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts addresses the media while waiting for election results during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday in Bellevue.
Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg is interviewed by a member of the press during an election night watch party on Tuesday at the Beardmore Event Center in Bellevue.
Party members check their phones and computers for results during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Bellevue.
Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg looks at Derek Schrwatz’s phone during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Bellevue.
Larry the Cable Guy introduces incumbent gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen before his victory speech after a lengthy watch party on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
Incumbent gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen gives a victory speech alongside First Lady Suzanne Pillen after a lengthy watch party on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
Incumbent gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen speaks with guests after a victory speech after a lengthy watch party on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
Supporters react as incumbent gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen gives a victory speech after a lengthy watch party on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
Incumbent gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen gives a victory speech alongside First Lady Suzanne Pillen after a lengthy watch party on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
Incumbent gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen embraces a supporter after delivering a victory speech after a lengthy watch party on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks to his supporters at the conclusion of an election night watch party in Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Jeff Shudak cheers as the race for Iowa governor is called for Democrat Rob Sand while attending an election night watch party in support of Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, at Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks to his supporters at the conclusion of an election night watch party in Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks to his supporters at the conclusion of an election night watch party in Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha on Tuesday.
Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, embraces his wife, Megan, as he speaks to his supporters at the conclusion of an election night watch party in Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Andrew Graff watches poll results come in while attending an election night watch party in support of Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, at Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
From left, Tyler Olsen, Bella Gerloff and Rachael Jaixen celebrate the Democrat win of the Ohio governor’s race while attending an election night watch party in support of Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, at Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Leaf Price, 23, wears a sweatshirt with the message, “Stop the war, stop AI, stop the billionaires,” while at an election night watch party in support of Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, at Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Dan Ullman, left, and Lois Rood cheer election results while at an election night watch party for Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, at Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Mitch Dill wears his “I Voted Today” sticker alongside one in support of Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, during an election night watch party at Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Lushawn Smith, left, and Luanna Townsend celebrate as national election results roll in while at an election night watch party in support of Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, at Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Disabled Army veteran Mona Williams sheds tears of joy while watching national election results lean Democrat at an election night watch party for Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, at Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Bumper stickers, buttons and other campaign swag sit out for supporters of Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, during an election night watch party in Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Barb Harris celebrates after the first results show Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, in a significant lead against incumbent Republican Pete Ricketts during an election night watch party in Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
UNO students Anton Rudnytskyi, left, and Jefferson Smith, both 19, check for election results on Smith’s phone during an election night watch party for Dan Osborn, nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate, at Scott Conference Center on campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
People watch results at the Lancaster County Republican election night party at Venue 5 Twenty-Two on Tuesday.
From left, Lancaster County Attorney candidate Pat Condon, Norris School Board member Craig Gana and Lancaster County Sheriff candidate Ben Houchin watch national election results roll in at the Lancaster County Republican election night party at Venue 5 Twenty-Two on Tuesday.
Attendees watch national election results roll in on CBS at the Lancaster County Republican election night party at Venue 5 Twenty-Two on Tuesday.
Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley, right, and a supporter refresh election results on a cellphone at the Lancaster County Republican election night party at Venue 5 Twenty-Two on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump is seen on a TV screen at the Lancaster County Republican election night party at Venue 5 Twenty-Two on Tuesday.
Attendees watch state election counts come in on CBS at the Lancaster County Republican election night party at Venue 5 Twenty-Two on Tuesday.
Supporters of Clerk of the District Court candidate Landon Parks refresh the Lancaster County Election Commission website at the Lancaster County Republican election night party at Venue 5 Twenty-Two on Tuesday.
Lancaster County Commissioner Matt Schulte greets attendees at the Lancaster County Republican election night party at Venue 5 Twenty-Two on Tuesday.
People attend the Lancaster County Republican election night party at Venue 5 Twenty-Two on Tuesday.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts delivers a victory speech during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Wednesday in Bellevue.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts delivers a victory speech during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, in Bellevue.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts delivers a victory speech during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, in Bellevue.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts delivers a victory speech during an election night watch party at the Beardmore Event Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, in Bellevue.
Contact the writer at akleiber@journalstar.com or 715-370-4567. On X @annakleiber03
