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Nebraska Senate Race Jolted as Trump-Backing Pastor Enters Democratic Primary

The late entry tests Democrats' plan to unite behind independent Dan Osborn in a race with national stakes.

Overview

  • CNN reported Monday that William Forbes, 79, a Trump-supporting pastor who opposes abortion, filed at the deadline and will be on Nebraska’s May 12 Democratic primary ballot.
  • State Democrats had planned to back independent Dan Osborn, citing his strong 2024 showing, instead of running their own nominee.
  • Party chair Jane Kleeb alleges Forbes is a Republican plant meant to peel votes from Osborn, a claim Ricketts’ campaign denies.
  • Sermons and records show Forbes attended a Nebraska GOP training by the Leadership Institute and praised abortion restrictions, and he has little visible campaign infrastructure.
  • In response, Cindy Burbank filed to block him, was removed as not a “good-faith” candidate after a GOP complaint, then won reinstatement from the Nebraska Supreme Court and says she will back Osborn in the general election.