Who is Dan Osborn? The Navy veteran and factory mechanic who led Kellogg's workers before entering the Nebraska Senate race in the US midterms

Dan Osborn built his career far from the halls of Washington. A U.S. Navy veteran and industrial mechanic, he spent years working on the factory floor before becoming a union leader in Omaha, Nebraska. He gained national attention in 2021 when he led Kellogg’s workers through a 77-day strike over workplace benefits and the future of their factory. Osborn is running as an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in Nebraska’s November 3, 2026, general election. His campaign focuses on workers’ rights, corporate influence in politics and the rising costs facing working families.

Who is Dan Osborn?

Osborn graduated from Roncalli Catholic High School in 1994. Following his father’s footsteps, he joined the United States Navy and served for four years as an SK aboard the USS Constellation CV-64. During his service, he completed two Western Pacific cruises and two RIMPAC cruises, as per inputs by Leadership Now Project, Ballotpedia and Osborn for Senate.


After leaving the Navy, Osborn joined the Nebraska Army National Guard. He attended tanker training in Boise, Idaho, before moving to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he also served in the Tennessee National Guard.

In 2004 he started working as a mechanic at the Kellogg’s plant, in Omaha. He wanted to provide a stable life for his wife, Megan and their three children. The job provided him with a middle-class living. It also placed him right in the middle of the workplace problems that would later influence his public image.

How Did Osborn Become a Union Leader

He eventually became president of BCTGM 50G – Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 50G, a title that meant a lot to him. He had his moment as a labor leader, in 2021, when his voice echoed across the masses. Kellogg’s workers in Omaha went on strike for 77 days and Osborn led the effort, which drew national media attention.

The strike ended with an improved contract. Workers also defeated efforts to cut benefits, while the agreement helped secure the factory’s future through 2026.

The experience raised Osborn’s profile beyond the workplace. His background as a veteran, mechanic and union leader became central to his political identity.

Dan Osborn’s 2026 Senate Campaign

Osborn is running against Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, along with Mike Marvin of the Legal Marijuana Now Party. Cindy Burbank, who won the Democratic primary, withdrew from the general election on July 17, 2026.

“I’ve looked at the numbers. I won’t be your next senator. So I have withdrawn my bid for U.S. Senate,” Burbank said.

The Nebraska Democratic Party endorsed Osborn but he has said he would not caucus with either major party if elected. His campaign presents him as an independent voice focused on issues that appeal to voters across party lines.

Osborn previously challenged Republican Senator Deb Fischer in the 2024 regular Senate election. Osborn performed better than Harris in the state.



The race against Ricketts presents a new challenge. Ricketts, a former Nebraska governor, was appointed to the Senate in 2023 and is campaigning on his experience in elected office.

Osborn’s campaign argues that his independence allows him to work outside party politics. His platform focuses on workers’ rights, corporate influence and the cost of living.