Complaint against Osborn’s Senate campaign alleges improper payments to family; campaign denies wrongdoing

Dan Osborn, independent candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks during a news conference May, 15, 2024, at his home in Omaha, Nebraska. (Nikos Frazier, via Omaha-Herald, via AP, File.)

NORFOLK, Neb. — A conservative advocacy group has filed a complaint against U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn and his campaign, alleging misuse of campaign and PAC funds, including payments to family members.

Americans for Public Trust, a nonprofit organization, filed the complaint with the Federal Election Commission, requesting an investigation into how Osborn’s campaign committees and affiliated groups have handled money.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Osborn’s campaign called the allegations “baseless” and said the campaign is fully compliant with all FEC rules.

“What this complaint describes are baseless, nuisance allegations designed to slow Dan’s momentum as he’s tied with Pete Ricketts in four straight polls — the campaign is fully compliant with all FEC rules,” the spokesperson said.

According to the complaint, Osborn’s campaign and two PACs tied to him, Working Class Heroes Fund and League of Labor Voters, paid more than $400,000 combined to family members and businesses connected to them.

The filing claims more than $278,000 went to Osborn’s wife and companies she is connected to, including payments for “strategy consulting.” It also alleges nearly $37,000 went to other family members, including his daughter and in-laws.

The complaint argues some payments to family members may have exceeded fair market value. It also alleges the groups share staff and vendors and may have handled money in ways that violate federal limits.

Under federal election law, candidates cannot raise or spend certain funds through outside groups they control. The complaint alleges the PACs received large donations that could violate those limits and asks the FEC to investigate. No findings have been made.