A Democratic candidate for a Senate seat in Nebraska, who has traditionally held conservative views and previously voted for Donald Trump, is facing accusations of being a Republican plant.
The Nebraska Democratic Party was initially focused on supporting independent candidate Dan Osborne in an effort to unseat Republican Senator Pete Ricketts in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. However, Rev. William Forbes only began running as a Democrat right before the filing deadline, according to a report from CNN.
CNN discovered an older sermon video where Forbes expressed conservative opinions on topics like abortion and Black Lives Matter, as well as referring to President Joe Biden derogatorily as “Dementia Joe.”
The Nebraska Democratic Party alleged that Forbes is attempting to “deceive voters” and suggested that his candidacy has been orchestrated to fracture the opposition vote, helping Ricketts retain his seat. The NDP emphasized that it has made a “considered and principled decision” not to run another Democratic candidate, believing Osborne has the best chance to defeat Ricketts.
The NDP is supporting another candidate, Cindy Burbank, aimed at countering Forbes. They have pledged to back Osborne if Burbank wins the primary.
The party stated that Nebraska should require candidates to be certified by the state party to ensure legitimacy on the ballot.
“Candidates like William Forbes, who seem to run purely to confuse voters, shouldn’t exploit the democratic process,” the NDP remarked.
Forbes contends he has always been a Democrat, although he admitted to voting for Trump in multiple elections. Interestingly, just months prior to his decision to run with the Democrats, he participated in a leadership training event held by the Nebraska Republican Party.
Mary Jane Temper, chair of the Nebraska Republican Party, stated they have no connection with Forbes and are unaware of his reasons for entering the Democratic primary, noting that such leadership seminars are open to anyone.
Ricketts’ campaign has dismissed any suggestions of involvement, asserting, “We had no role in the Democratic primary,” while also labeling Osborne as a “fake independent.”
Forbes criticized Ricketts, claiming his policies have been detrimental to rural communities and that Nebraska Democrats shouldn’t be misled.
