Dan Osborn (born March 29, 1975) is a U.S. Navy veteran, industrial mechanic, former labor union leader and independent politician.

He eventually became president of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 50G and led the strike at Kellogg's Omaha plant in 2021.

[1] He drew attention for his unorthodox platform and the unusually high support for an independent in what is traditionally a strongly Republican or red state.

[2] His mother was a seamstress,[3] and his father, Gary, worked for Union Pacific Railroad, loading cargo;[4] after retiring, he also served as a Republican Dodge County Commissioner.

[4] Osborn stayed in Omaha to finish high school and lived on his own starting at age 16, paying rent with odd jobs.

[3] In 2004, Osborn began working as an industrial mechanic at the Kellogg's Omaha plant, fixing the factory's machines.

[9][10] He eventually became president of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 50G.

[17] He turned to boiler maintenance and repair work at Boys Town and became a member of Steamfitters and Plumbers Local 464.

[30] Osborn raised more campaign funds, mostly small-dollar donations, than any independent candidate in Nebraska's history.

[36][37] In an August 2024 SurveyUSA poll sponsored by Split Ticket, Fischer held a narrow lead of 39% to 38% over Osborn, within the margin of error, while 23% of voters were undecided.

[19] His policy positions included raising the national minimum wage; lowering the tax rate for small businesses and overtime work; increasing border security and building the Mexico–United States border wall to reduce illegal immigration; reforming the immigration system and exploring ways to legalize some long-term undocumented workers; legalizing and taxing marijuana; improving railroad safety; guaranteeing access to abortion within the limits set by Roe v. Wade; facilitating union organizing; and protecting gun rights.

[45][46][47][48][41][49] Politico reported that the Democrats, after their losses in the 2024 elections, are studying Osborn's unusually competitive campaign, especially in a deep red state, as they rebuild their party and its image.