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,

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.

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 will win reelection in Nebraska, defeating an unexpectedly strong challenge from independent Dan Osborn, CNN projects. Fischer was first elected to the Senate in 2012, when she became the first female senator elected to a full term in Nebraska.

Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer survived an unexpectedly close race Tuesday with registered nonpartisan Dan Osborn and secured a third term.

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.