Jewish Voter Guide
Dan Osborn
U.S. Senate · NE · Independent
Summary
Dan Osborn is an independent candidate in Nebraska's 2026 U.S. Senate election and will face Republican incumbent Pete Ricketts.
Dan Osborn has expressed support for the U.S.-Israel relationship and Israel's right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state, while also criticizing aspects of U.S. military policy in the region. He has also argued that the United States should support Israel without returning to open-ended military intervention or policing the world at the expense of Americans. Osborn welcomed the endorsement of A New Policy PAC and criticized American-made weapons being used in attacks that kill Palestinian children or damage hospitals. He has identified Hamas as a terrorist organization and said Israel's initial response to the October 7 attack was justified, while later expressing concern about civilian casualties. Osborn supports enforcement of Title VI, has pledged a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism, and supports federal security grants for synagogues.
The record
Positions come from public votes, statements and on-the-record interviews. Every claim links to its source. No aggregate score or grade.
Support for a Strong U.S.-Israel Alliance
In the Jewish Federation of Omaha's 2026 voter guide, Osborn described the U.S.-Israel relationship as a cornerstone of national security and said that the bond between the Jewish people, Israel, and the United States cannot be broken. He stated that he would always be a proud supporter of the partnership.
Osborn also stated that he fully supports Israel's right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state and believes every nation has the right to defend its people and sovereignty. In February 2026, Osborn welcomed an endorsement from A New Policy PAC. In accepting the endorsement, he criticized U.S. foreign-policy priorities and the use of American- made bombs in attacks that kill Palestinian children or damage hospitals.
Preventing a Nuclear Iran
In March 2026, Osborn opposed the Pentagon's request for an additional $200 billion for the war against Iran, arguing that the United States had already spent trillions of dollars on prolonged Middle East conflicts and should prioritize the needs of American families. In a May 2026 interview, he again criticized the war, emphasizing its effects on gas prices, fertilizer costs, farmers, and working families. These statements concerned the war's cost and domestic consequences rather than nuclear nonproliferation.
Condemning and Combating Terrorism
During Osborn's 2024 Senate campaign, his spokesperson stated that Hamas is a terrorist organization and that Osborn believed Israel's initial response to the October 7 attack was justified.
The spokesperson added that Osborn later became concerned about mounting civilian casualties and believed the United States should help bring the conflict toward a resolution and restore regional stability.
Source
Response to Hamas's October 7 Attack
In April 2024, an Osborn campaign spokesperson said that Osborn regarded Hamas as a terrorist organization and believed Israel's response to the October 7 attack was justified. By 2026, Osborn was more openly critical of the continued use of U.S.-supplied weapons in the region, arguing that American foreign policy should place greater weight on civilian lives.
Fighting Antisemitism
In the Jewish Federation of Omaha's 2026 voter guide, Osborn said there is no place in society for hatred and bigotry and pledged to use his public platform to condemn acts of hate or bias. He also described himself as an advocate for religious freedom with a zero- tolerance position toward antisemitism.
A New Policy PAC, whose endorsement Osborn welcomed, opposes the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 and the use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition in federal education enforcement.
Protecting Jewish Students on Campus
In the Jewish Federation of Omaha's 2026 voter guide, Osborn said he would be outspoken in supporting enforcement of federal civil-rights laws, including Title VI. He framed the
position broadly around equal legal protections rather than proposing a campus-specific policy for Jewish students.
Protecting Jewish Institutions and Communities
In the Jewish Federation of Omaha's 2026 voter guide, Osborn said he would support securing federal Nonprofit Security Grants for synagogues and would stand up for the safety and dignity of Jewish Nebraskans.
He also stated that Nebraska communities should be supported through fully funded security and infrastructure grants for local nonprofit organizations and schools.
Standing Against Political Extremism
Osborn has stated that politicians should lower the temperature of political discourse and that elected officials have a responsibility to protect democratic institutions and condemn acts of hatred or bias.
During his 2024 Senate campaign, Osborn compared members of Senator Deb Fischer's campaign team to 'Hitler Youth frat boys' during a private donor call. He later said the comment was too harsh, wished he could take it back, and apologized to Fischer's staff.
Engagement with the Jewish Community
In January 2026, JACPAC hosted a members-only virtual event with Osborn, giving members of the Jewish political organization an opportunity to hear directly from him as a Senate candidate.
Osborn responded to the Jewish Federation of Omaha's 2026 voter guide and said that his door would remain open to the Omaha Jewish community. He also committed to intentional engagement with faith-based and minority communities through accessible town halls.
In June 2026, Osborn was featured at a Henry Monsky Lodge Breadbreakers forum for Nebraska U.S. Senate candidates.
A note on methodology. This guide is published as an educational reference. The American Jewish Congress does not endorse candidates and does not publish aggregate scores. If you spot a position that needs an update or a better source, please reach the office.