(NewsNation) — As key races in Congress are heating up before the General Election in November, a mechanic and labor leader running as an independent for the Senate is making waves against two-term Republican Sen. Deb Fischer.
Senate candidate Dan Osborn says he disagrees with both major parties and is not seeking endorsements from either Democrats or Republicans.
Osborn served in the United States Navy and the Nebraska Army National Guard before working as an industrial mechanic at the Kellogg’s plant in Omaha in 2004.
“I haven’t always been a political guy, really, until corporate greed came knocking on my door,” Osborn said.
In 2021, Osborn successfully led the Kellogg’s strike in Omaha, leading his union, BCTGM 50G. He said during COVID, the company made record profits and the CEO gave himself a $2 million raise while letting the company’s employees struggle.
“So we stood up, and I led a strike. It just opened my eyes to the fact that when we band together, we really can make a difference in regular people’s lives,” Osborn said.
Osborn told NewsNation that he wants to be different from his Republican opponent, saying he would not take any donations from corporations.
So far, his campaign has raised over $2 million with an average donation of $35. Osborn also earned an endorsement from the United Auto Workers union.
“Right now, my message is just trying to bring people back together,” Osborn said.
In a recent poll by Impact Research and Red Wave Strategy Group, Osborn was deadlocked with Fischer for the Senate seat — both polling at 42%.