GRAND ISLAND — Nebraska’s 2026 U.S. Senate candidates shared the debate stage Tuesday night for the first time.
Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn faced off at the Nebraska State Fair, where they went back and forth about the cost of living, tariffs, agriculture, healthcare, immigration and the role of political parties in Washington.
From the opening statements, the candidates laid out two very different arguments for voters.
Osborn framed the race around working Nebraskans struggling with rising costs, arguing Washington has failed families who are working harder while falling further behind.
“Costs are getting too expensive. Health care is getting too expensive. Groceries are too expensive, and families are falling behind,” Osborn said.
Ricketts pointed to his record as governor and senator, arguing Republican-backed tax cuts have already provided relief.
“That’s why we’re working so hard to put more money back in your pockets through the Working Families Tax Cut,” Ricketts said. “We were able to avoid a $2,400 tax increase that would have happened if we didn’t pass that law.”
The candidates also split over tariffs.
Ricketts defended tariffs as a way to level the playing field with countries that place higher barriers on American products.
“They have high tariffs on our products. We have low tariffs on theirs, and it’s not fair,” Ricketts said.
Osborn said targeted tariffs can protect American industries, but argued broad tariffs are driving up costs for consumers and businesses.
“So we know targeted tariffs can work. Tariff doesn’t have to be a bad name, but what we’re seeing with a blanket tariff policy is we are seeing the rise of costs in building materials,” Osborn said.
Despite the disagreements, the two found common ground on one major Nebraska issue.
Both criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily waive tariffs on up to 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef as the country works to rebuild a cattle herd that has fallen to its smallest size in nearly 75 years.
“I think this is where Sen. Ricketts and I will see eye to eye, that this is a colossal mistake for our cattle ranchers,” Osborn said.
Ricketts said bringing in more foreign beef would not solve the problem long term.
“Expanding the size of the herd is how we get long term to lower prices for consumers and families,” Ricketts said. “So that’s the real solution.”
The debate then moved through a wide range of issues, including healthcare, immigration and the ongoing conflict with Iran.
On healthcare, Ricketts defended recent Medicaid reforms, saying they are intended to preserve the program for people who qualify.
Osborn argued the changes are already creating challenges in rural Nebraska, pointing to the closure of a dialysis facility in Chadron.
On immigration, Osborn said he supports a secure border and the removal of violent criminals, but called for greater congressional oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Ricketts defended increased spending on border security and accused Osborn of supporting policies that would weaken immigration enforcement.
The candidates also disagreed over the U.S. conflict with Iran.
Ricketts said Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and argued the U.S. must continue putting pressure on the country.
Osborn agreed Iran should not have a nuclear weapon but said Congress should reclaim its constitutional authority over decisions involving war.
Much of the debate centered on the candidates’ identities and how they would operate in Washington.
Ricketts repeatedly referred to his opponent as “Democrat Dan,” arguing Osborn’s independent label does not reflect how he would vote in the Senate.
“Folks, this is an election between somebody who’s delivered for Nebraska for 12 years, and somebody who is trying to hide from you what he actually believes,” Ricketts said.
Osborn pushed back, saying his independence would allow him to work with both parties rather than answer to party leadership.
“Nobody’s got a monopoly on a good idea,” Osborn said. “I will work with Republicans to get things passed, but it’s about delivering for Nebraska.”
The two also sparred over campaign finance and outside political spending. Osborn called for campaign finance reform and criticized the influence of wealthy donors and super PACs, while Ricketts accused Osborn of benefiting from the same outside spending he criticizes.
Artificial intelligence and data centers were among the final issues discussed. Both candidates said the U.S. needs to remain competitive with China while protecting Nebraska’s land and water resources, though they differed over tax incentives and the role communities should play in approving development.
The candidates closed by returning to the central arguments of their campaigns, with Ricketts pointing to his record in office and Osborn pitching himself as an independent alternative to the two-party system.
You can watch the full debate here.