‘Doesn’t pass the smell test’: Independent Senate candidate claims he doesn’t know who Chuck Schumer is after taking his money

The National Republican Senatorial Committee attacked independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn this week after he told a Nebraska voter he didn’t know who Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was. This claim raised eyebrows because Schumer is one of the most well-known figures in national Democratic politics.

The situation looks suspicious, and the NRSC pointed to Osborn’s past fundraising to prove their point. When a voter asked Osborn if he would accept support from Schumer in his current Senate race, Osborn said he didn’t know who the New York Senator was.

According to Newsmax, the committee called that statement misleading. They say Osborn received financial support linked to Schumer during his last Senate run, which failed. This makes it hard for him to claim he’s a true political outsider.

The Republican committee questions Osborn’s honesty with voters

The Republican campaign group didn’t hold back, calling the statement a serious problem with transparency. They say Osborn’s denial raises major questions about his honesty with voters. In a statement, the committee said, “Dan Osborn pretending not to know who Chuck Schumer is doesn’t pass the smell test.” They added that “Nebraska voters deserve honesty about who is backing a candidate and where their support is coming from.”

Chuck Schumer has a long history in leadership. He served as Senate minority leader from 2017 to 2021 and returned to that role in 2025. The New York Senator has been known to push back against political opponents when he feels misrepresented. The Republican panel noted that Schumer-aligned political groups have played a major role in sending money to Senate campaigns across the country.

Osborn has worked hard to position himself as an outsider, stressing his independence from both major political parties. His campaign focuses on government accountability and fighting what he calls entrenched political interests in Washington. Recently, Schumer implemented key DHS policy changes despite disagreements on other issues. The NRSC argues that accepting financial support tied to top Democrats like Schumer completely contradicts that message.

The committee is clear about their position. They say the support his previous campaign received from groups tied to top Democrats, including Schumer, makes his claims of political independence look fake. The committee believes the money trail leads back to the establishment figures Osborn claims to oppose.

This Nebraska Senate race is being watched closely because Republicans are fighting to keep control of the seat. Outside groups from both parties are expected to play a big role as the campaign continues. As of now, Osborn’s campaign has not responded to requests for comment about the NRSC’s claims or his remarks about Schumer.