Populist independent candidate Dan Osborn has lost his bid for U.S. Senate in Nebraska to two-term Republican incumbent Sen. Deb Fischer. The result helps solidify the GOP’s control of the chamber, which it secured for the first time in four years on Tuesday.

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) narrowly defeated independent Dan Osborn in the Nebraska Senate race on Tuesday night, overcoming a surprisingly competitive challenge in an otherwise Republican stronghold. Fischer,

Recent polling suggests that challenger Dan Osborn's message that the Senate is run by the wealthy elite resonated with Nebraska voters. A close race is unfamiliar territory for Fischer, a two-term Republican representing a very conservative state.

Republican Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska has won her reelection bid over Independent contender Dan Osborn to maintain control of her seat in the U.S. Senate, Scripps News and Decision Desk HQ projects.

Republican Sen. Deb Fischer has won the Nebraska Senate race, defeating Independent Dan Osborn, according to a race call by the Associated Press. With her victory, Republicans have taken control of the upper chamber of Congress.

Even as outside polling shows a competitive race for U.S. Senate in ruby-red Nebraska, Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer remains adamant that her challenge from nonpartisan industrial mechanic Dan Osborn is a media-driven fabrication.