Cindy Burbank, Nebraska’s Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate race, submitted paperwork Friday to remove herself from the November ballot, a move that could clear the way for nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts.
The Secretary of State’s office confirmed that Burbank filed a form declining to run on Friday morning. In a video posted to her Facebook page, she said: “I’ve looked at the numbers. I won’t be your next senator. So I have withdrawn my bid for U.S. Senate.”
Burbank won Nebraska’s Democratic primary on May 12, 2026, with 90% of the vote, defeating anti-abortion pastor Bill Forbes. Her candidacy had drawn national attention amid allegations that she was a “plant” in the race designed to help Osborn, which she has denied. Nebraska Democrats did not actively recruit a candidate, and state party chair Jane Kleeb endorsed Osborn, an independent candidate backed by her party’s leadership, according to the Nebraska Examiner.
However, Burbank’s withdrawal request may face legal obstacles. Secretary of State Bob Evnen will send a letter Monday to Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers asking for his decision on whether Burbank should be allowed to drop out, according to the Nebraska Examiner. Evnen briefly removed Burbank from the ballot in March, saying she wasn’t a “good-faith” candidate, but she successfully sued her way back on the ballot after Evnen missed a deadline for raising his objection.
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. The race will determine who faces Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, who won the GOP primary on May 12 with 81.8% of the vote. Marijuana NOW Party nominee Mike Marvin remains on the ballot as well.
Burbank’s move follows a similar precedent in Maine, where Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner withdrew from his race in July 2026 after facing a sexual assault allegation, according to NPR. When Platner withdrew, the Maine Democratic Party was forced to hold a replacement nominating convention, and his exit left his party’s replacement candidate at a financial disadvantage, OpenSecrets reported. In Nebraska, Burbank’s withdrawal appears designed to consolidate Democratic support behind Osborn’s independent bid.
Sources
- Nebraska Examiner — Burbank’s withdrawal filing, Secretary of State confirmation, quote from Burbank’s video, Democratic Party strategy, and history of Burbank’s ballot challenges
- The New York Times — Burbank’s withdrawal and Democratic party backing of Osborn
- Wikipedia — Primary election results and vote percentages for Ricketts and Burbank
- NPR — Graham Platner Maine Senate race withdrawal precedent
- OpenSecrets — Financial impact of Platner’s withdrawal on Maine Democratic replacement candidate
