Independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn claimed he did not know who Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was when questioned by a Nebraska voter about outside political support.
Osborn was asked whether he would accept Schumer's support in his current Senate bid. Osborn responded he did not know who Schumer was.
Osborn previously benefited from financial backing linked to Schumer during his last Senate run, which ended unsuccessfully. Osborn's denial raises questions about his transparency with voters as he campaigns as an independent.
Schumer has served as Senate minority leader from 2017 to 2021 and since 2025. He is one of the most prominent figures in national Democrat politics.
Osborn has positioned himself as an outsider, emphasizing independence from both major political parties, but he accepted funding from Schumer and Schumer has in the past considered Osborn a way for Democrats to pick up a Senate seat, despite Osborn's feigning independence.
In 2024, Osborn's Super PAC received nearly $4 million from the Schumer-aligned Senate Majority PAC and dark money groups like Sixteen Thirty Fund.
Osborn also received a maxed out donation from the DSCC directly to his campaign and $5,000 from Chuck Schumer’s leadership PAC to his campaign.
Nebraska Democrats are poised to use a donation to them from Elizabeth Warren to fund Osborn.
Osborn is working with the same radical leftists behind Socialist Zohran Mamdani's Mayoral campaign.
Osborn's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Nebraska Senate race is being closely watched as Republicans seek to maintain control of the seat.
Outside groups from both parties are expected to play a significant role as the campaign continues, with fundraising and national political ties likely to remain a focal point.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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