For the first time in over 20 years, Nebraska could elect an Independent Senator. Dan Osborn, an Independent candidate from Nebraska, has had a recent surge in the polls, surpassing Republican Deb Fischer by five points. This means Osborn is on the brink of achieving what used to seem nearly impossible—flipping a traditionally solidly Republican state in favor of someone who doesn’t align with a major party. This remarkable feat poses the question: what has Osborn done so differently which has led to success? What sets Osborn apart?

The answer lies in his commitment to values of integrity, transparency, and patriotism. These values manifest themselves through Osborn’s rejection of traditional campaign financing, his deep ties with local communities, and his campaign’s promise of new policies. Not only are these values reflected through his actions, but they are also values at the heart of the Young Forwardists movement.

Independent candidate Dan Osborn’s commitment to transparency and accountability is a breath of fresh air in politics. Dan Osborn is a self-funded candidate, meaning he's not beholden to special interest groups or large donors. Instead, he raises his campaign funds through independent fundraisers, with the largest single donation to Osborne being $13,200 from a locksmith in Omaha, Nebraska. This means that his decisions are more likely to be guided by the needs of the community, not by the interests of influential donors. Osborn’s values are a true demonstration of honesty and integrity, values that the Young Forwardists hold dear.

Osborn is, as a spokesperson from his campaign puts it, “not going to the Senate to play partisan games or do the bidding of whatever corporate donor throws money at him. He's going to work for the regular folks of this state...” His close ties with the local community support this sentiment. In the past year Dan Osborn held over 140 public events, namely small local businesses and bars all over Nebraska. Osborne was both a military veteran and a union leader who led a successful 11-week strike against Kellogg, resulting in improved benefits for workers. This strong background in community leadership is proof of Osborn’s extensive commitment to public service. Osborn’s dedication to serving the common good of his constituents is evident in his decision to run for office, where he hopes to continue making real differences in citizen’s lives.

Unlike the many politicians who speak in vague terms about fighting "waste," Osborn lists out clear problems and simple actions in order to increase transparency in government spending. Osborn cites taxpayers sending Moderna $10 billion in COVID subsidies leading the CEO to make $398 million in 2022 as an event where Congress handed what Osborn dubbed a “blank check” of tens of billions of dollars to big pharma. Most of it went toward CEO pay. Osborn vows that if elected he will never enable or support any similar situation (OsbornForSenate). This focus on transparency and accountability speaks to a growing amount of voters—people want their elected officials to be responsible with public funds. The Young Forwardists also believe in the equitable use of resources to improve the lives of everyday people, not just a select few.

Osborn’s second major policy centers on education. He has proposed a series of actions to strengthen and support public schools. He supports efforts to provide more resources for teacher training, increased transportation support for rural schools, and ending student hunger by fully funding school lunches. Osborn affirms these initiatives will support the teachers and students, creating a positive institution that brings the community together (OsbornForSenate). This project aligns with the Young Forwardists’ goal of fostering forward-thinking policies that empower communities

The Young Forwardists are an organization that heavily values diverse perspectives over a single narrow viewpoint. Dan Osborn being elected Federal Senator would be representative of voters’ exhaustion with unproductive partisanship and corporate-driven agendas. For the Young Forwardists, Osborn is more than just a candidate. He’s a symbol of what can be achieved when elected officials are driven by honesty, accountability, and commitment to serving the people. Osborn’s independent spirit has the exciting possibility to challenge the stagnant status quo in Washington D.C. This is what makes Dan Osborn so special. It is not just his potential victory in a Republican stronghold—it’s what he may represent for the future of American politics.

As Election Day approaches, the question is whether we are ready to embrace the kind of leader who puts us first. From the ground up, Dan Osborn is making waves in pursuit of equitable, positive change.

Let’s join him in his mission to build a better future for Nebraska - and for America.