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THE TRUTH ABOUT DARK MONEY ATTACKS

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<h2>Reform Immigration Laws and Stop ICE Violence</h2>The Trump Administration’s approach to immigration is un-American. The cruelty and incompetence we have seen from ICE does not make Nebraskans safer. All people deserve to be treated humanely and I support a roadmap to citizenship for immigrants. We should also strengthen the expansion of pathways for family unity and work opportunities, with robust labor and humanitarian standards. Democrats must put pressure on Trump and ICE to stop the detention of American citizens, end warrantless arrests, and ban ICE agents from wearing masks. There must also be a full, independent investigation into ICE’s murders, and ICE agents should not have immunity from criminal prosecution.

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Fighting for Nebraska's Next Generation

<h2>Lower the Cost of Living</h2>Trump’s chaotic tariffs and the War in Iran are hurting our economy.&nbsp; Working families are bearing the brunt with higher prices for groceries, gas, healthcare, housing, and childcare. And job growth is stagnant.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the Nebraska Legislature, I repealed the state’s tax on diapers and now I am working to exempt overtime and tips from state income taxes. I also introduced bills to create a sales tax holiday for back-to-school items and to lower the cost of over the counter medicines. I’m running for Congress to continue fighting for working families and to stand up to Trump’s billionaire-first economy. In Congress, I will vote to repeal Trump’s tariffs and reassert congressional responsibilities over trade.&nbsp; I recently wrote about the economy in this op-ed — <a href="/06b702b7-f66e-4b3b-8101-976420efdcc3/991865d4-d040-4a66-81b5-8f71e8cee380">click here to read more.</a>

Cost of Living

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<h4>From recent high school graduates to parents in their 30s, young people are struggling to get ahead and Congress needs to stand up to billionaires and big corporations and build an economy that works for young people.&nbsp; </h4><h4>My wife and I moved back to Omaha after school because we always knew this was where we wanted to raise our family. It’s a great place to grow up, but costs are getting out of control and fewer people are finding opportunities here. We must give Nebraska’s next generation their shot at the Good Life. I’ll do that by prioritizing… </h4><h4>Housing you can afford:</h4><ul><li>Increasing the supply of housing by cutting red tape – so that we lower costs for renters and buyers.</li><li>Fighting to pass legislation to prevent large out-of-state private equity companies from buying up more Nebraska homes, which has kept first-time home buyers out of the market and led to higher rent costs.</li><li>Supporting federal legislation to help first-time homebuyers with tax credits, and I have fought for down payment assistance in the legislature.</li><li>Supporting federal protections to guarantee fair housing and crack down on discrimination in housing based on things like gender, age, race, and ethnicity.&nbsp; </li></ul><h4>Healthcare you can afford:</h4><ul><li>Trump’s healthcare cuts mean that on average, healthcare costs have doubled for Nebraskans who purchase their insurance on the marketplace. I’ll fund the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and support the tax credits in Obamacare so that people who don’t get insurance through their employer have a chance to purchase insurance at a rate they can afford.</li><li>I have introduced legislation in the legislature to give people who saw their health insurance costs go up in 2026 because of Republicans’ changes to the ACA, a tax credit to cover the difference.&nbsp;</li><li>Opposing Medicaid cuts that later this year will eliminate health coverage for 8,000 Nebraskans in the Omaha area, many of which are young people. I’ll reverse these cuts in Congress.</li><li>Addressing the root cause of rising healthcare costs: Trump’s tariffs are driving up the cost of medical equipment. Big Pharma companies keep raising drug costs, and Congress refuses to take real action. I’ll fight to lower these costs and fix our system. </li></ul><h4>Raising Kids is Way Too Expensive:</h4><ul><li>In the State Legislature, I successfully ended the state’s sales tax on diapers.</li><li>Expanding the federal child tax credit and giving families thousands of dollars back in their pocket each month. I’ve supported legislation to do this at the state level.&nbsp;</li><li>I’ve put four kids through daycare and I know how it squeezes family’s budgets. I’ve co-sponsored legislation in the legislature to give tax credits for child care costs.&nbsp;</li><li>Helping stop the Trump Administration from eliminating the Department of Education, which threatens student loans and Pre-K. </li></ul><h4>Good-paying jobs:</h4><ul><li>Working alongside unions to develop apprenticeship opportunities to help more Nebraskans get into good-paying union jobs.</li><li>Bringing federal dollars back to Nebraska to spur infrastructure and investment, bringing in new jobs and opportunities.</li><li>Supporting minimum wage increases, just like I have in the state legislature, so that all workers are able to take home a bit more each month.</li><li>Supporting private-public partnerships that bring and keep jobs in all sorts of industries.</li><li>Cutting taxes for working Nebraskans. I’ve done that in the legislature and I’ll do it in Congress. </li></ul><h4>Bottom line: To tackle the affordability crisis, we’ve got to lower everyday costs by repealing Trump’s tariffs and boldly address the big costs, like housing and healthcare, so that young people can get ahead. I’m refusing corporate PAC money and won’t trade stocks in Congress, so you can count on me to fight for workers — not corporate interests or ultra-wealthy donors. </h4>

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<h2>Fight for our Democracy</h2>Trump’s attacks on our democracy are almost unfathomable. This administration has assaulted, arrested, and detained American citizens. They have tried to make it harder to vote, tore down Roe v. Wade, and allowed big corporations to run rampant. In Congress, I will work to undo all of this by co-sponsoring the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For the People Act, both efforts to expand voting rights, address corruption, and strengthen our democracy.&nbsp;

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Ro Khanna

Congressman (TX-35), chair of progressive caucus

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Chris DeLuzio

Congresswoman (AZ-7)

Adelita Grijalva

Congresswoman (IL-9)

Jan Schakowsky

Congressman (WI-2), co-chiar of labor caucus

Mark Pocan

Fmr. NE Governor and Senator

Ben Nelson

Fmr. Marlyand governor

Martin O'Malley

Fmr. Omaha Mayor

Jim Suttle

Mike Fahey

Fmr. NE state senator

Ernie Chambers

NE State Senator

Ashlei Spivey

NE state senator

Danielle Conrad

NE State senator

Terrell McKinney

George Dungan

Dan Quick

Victor Rountree

Machaela Cavanaugh

Omaha city council president

Danny Begley

Douglas County Commissioner

Jim Cavanaugh

Douglas County Public Defender

Tom Riley

Fmr. NE State senator

Patty Pansing Brooks

Steve Lathrop

fmr. NE state senator

Carol Blood

Fmr. United States Marshal

Mark Martinez

State Board of Education Member

Deb Neary

Bellevue City Councilman &amp; Fmr. NE State Senator

Don Preister

Bill and Nancy Hoppner

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Issues

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3b6b959f-b877-4cf6-9a4a-46ad47a485e4/8a53ef7e-8c94-4706-a311-861380fc9fe0/8a53ef7e-8c94-4706-a311-861380fc9fe0.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C27%2C1236%2C511&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="base"><h4>Nebraska Democrats do not have to choose between standing up to Trump and protecting our blue dot.</h4><h4> Here are the facts:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>John is endorsed by 7 of his colleagues in the Legislature because state lawmakers know these dark money attacks are lies, which they discuss <a href="https://youtu.be/6--AJLBTT6U" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HERE.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/10/us/politics/nebraska-blue-dot-democrats-house.html?unlocked_article_code=1.hVA.ElPm.rw00WAKk4X4a&amp;smid=url-share" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">The New York Times reports</a> that Omaha Mayor Ewing "said the blue dot was a nonissue" and nominating Cavanaugh would not "change the dynamics to the point that the blue dot could be eliminated" </li><li>As Nebraska State Senator Ashlei Spivey says in the ad, “Don’t buy the lies from the MAGA Republicans about losing the Blue Dot or a woman’s right to choose.” </li><li>Republicans in the Nebraska Legislature currently have a super majority: 33 senators to our 16. We have been able to protect the Blue Dot because a handful of Republicans continue to support it.&nbsp; </li><li>John would not resign until January, meaning by the time he resigns, new Senators will be elected. Half the legislature is up for election this year, and elected Democrats in Nebraska are confident that they will pick up more than enough seats in November to offset John’s vote.&nbsp; </li><li>Republicans have been meddling in the primary because they do NOT want John as the nominee. They know if John wins in May, Democrats will flip this seat in November.</li></ul>John's State Senator colleagues sent an open letter to voters:<img src="https://run.imgix.net/3b6b959f-b877-4cf6-9a4a-46ad47a485e4/e048a993-397b-4810-9ff0-35460226e7b0/e048a993-397b-4810-9ff0-35460226e7b0.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1080%2C1350&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/3b6b959f-b877-4cf6-9a4a-46ad47a485e4/5386e503-0bb0-40cb-a9fb-6b0325b32ffd/5386e503-0bb0-40cb-a9fb-6b0325b32ffd.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1080%2C1350&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

Yard Sign

<h2>Help Families with Child Care Costs</h2>As a working father of four, I know how much it costs to raise a family and the status quo needs to change. My wife and I have spent nearly $300,000 on childcare over the years — more than our home, even more than my student loans.&nbsp; In Congress, I will fight for universal paid family and medical leave, just as I fought for paid sick leave in the Legislature. I also support capping child care costs at 7% of household income for middle class families, expanding the federal Child Tax Credit, and making sure child care workers are paid a living wage.I wrote this op-ed about child care costs and what Congress can do about it. <a href="/06b702b7-f66e-4b3b-8101-976420efdcc3/991865d4-d040-4a66-81b5-8f71e8cee380">Click here to read.</a>

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<h2>Build More Affordable Homes</h2>Young people and working families should have the ability to buy a home just like their parents and grandparents did, but the cost of buying a home today is far too expensive. In the Nebraska Legislature, I introduced legislation to help first-time homebuyers with tax credits and down payment assistance.I also introduced legislation to crack down on predatory and hidden fees from landlords&nbsp; In Congress, I’ll stop private equity companies from buying up homes and I’ll fight to increase the supply of affordable homes so more working families have the opportunity for home ownership.

Housing

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John Cavanaugh was born right here in Omaha where he and his wife Kakie are raising their four kids who attend Omaha Public Schools. A two-term Nebraska State Legislator, John stands up to anyone to do what’s right. He took on the MAGA right — fighting to secure paid sick leave, fair wages, protective reproductive care, and our blue dot, while also successfully repealing the state’s tax on diapers. Now John’s running for Congress to fight the Trump madness that’s dividing our country by cleaning up the corruption, lowering costs, and protecting Medicare &amp; Social Security. John is a graduate of Creighton Prep High School, received a BA degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and earned a JD and Master’s in Environmental Policy from Vermont Law School.

Intro

<h2>Stop Trump's Corruption and Reform Congress&nbsp;</h2>Corruption runs rampant in Washington and it’s making life harder for us here in Nebraska. Donald Trump is the most corrupt President in American history and in Congress, I'll hold him and his MAGA cronies accountable for their actions.&nbsp;I’ll also sponsor legislation to ban members of Congress from trading stocks, won’t trade stocks myself, and support a Constitutional amendment to prevent billionaires from buying our elections. In my congressional campaign, I’m refusing contributions from corporate PACs, because I work for working families, not billionaires.I’m proud to be running with the endorsement of End Citizens United, a leading national anti-corruption organization.&nbsp;<a href="/06b702b7-f66e-4b3b-8101-976420efdcc3/c9947528-ca61-40d7-8396-c5c4a33c1a5c">Read my oped about Trump’s corruption here.</a>

Corruption

<h2>Reduce the Cost of Healthcare and Improve Access</h2>Americans should have access to healthcare at a cost they can afford, but Donald Trump and Republicans prioritized tax cuts for billionaires over healthcare subsidies for millions. Without ACA subsidies, more than 100,000 Nebraskans have seen healthcare costs skyrocket just as Trump’s tariffs and costly war are driving up gas, food, and childcare costs.&nbsp; In the Legislature, I just authored an emergency plan to lower healthcare costs for more than 100,000 Nebraskans who saw their monthly health insurance bill increase this year because of Trump’s cuts. In Congress, I will fight to fully restore the Affordable Care Act tax credits so that families can buy insurance at a lower cost. I'll also reverse Trump’s cuts to Medicaid which will impact Nebraskans starting May 1st. We need to hold Big Pharma accountable for their price gouging. And, I will remain focused on lowering the cost of prescription drugs for working families and seniors by expanding Medicare’s ability to negotiate pricing.&nbsp; Trump’s attacks on our healthcare are literally life changing. I met Jennifer, a musician here in Omaha. She gets her health insurance through the ACA exchange and unfortunately needs a double lung transplant. She shared with me that she’s terrified of her family being crushed by medical bills. While she should be focused on recovering, Jennifer and her husband are worrying about their premium increasing from $690 to $2,000. Learn more about Jennifer’s story here:

Healthcare

<h2>Protect Social Security and Medicare&nbsp;</h2>Every Nebraskan deserves to retire comfortably and with dignity. In Congress, I will work to expand and strengthen these programs so that seniors’ earned benefits remain protected for them and future generations.&nbsp;I’ll fight against anyone who wants to privatize Social Security and gamble guaranteed monthly benefits in the stock market. In the legislature I sponsored and passed legislation that ended state income taxes on Social Security benefits. In Congress I’ll fight for Medicare to cover dental and vision coverage and allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices. I’m proud to be endorsed by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Social Security Works.

Social Security and Medicare

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<h2>Protect our Environment and Reverse Climate Change</h2>I’ll fight for clean air and clean water while making sure we invest in good-paying jobs of the future that don’t leave workers behind. In the Legislature, I brought together farmers and climate groups to pass bipartisan legislation incentivizing solar panels on big farms. This bill was a win-win: it made farmers more profitable while allowing them to use cleaner forms of energy.&nbsp; Protecting our environment and addressing climate change is important to me. I was inspired to pursue a JD and Masters in Environmental Policy after spending many a spring day in a duck blind watching the sandhill cranes.&nbsp; I’m proud to have earned the endorsements of the Sierra Club and NRDC Action Fund.

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“I’m running for Congress to fight Trump’s chaos and defend the values Democrats stand for. We Democrats have to fight back, be united in purpose, win elections, and take our country back.” - John

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<h3>UPDATED APRIL 28</h3>Top priority: ﻿Voters 25+ need to see on TV and steaming that Denise Powell is a millionaire political operative they call “Dark Money Denise”.Voters should not buy the deceptive ads and lies that out-of-state ‘Dark money' groups funded by Trump donors and MAGA billionaires’ are running on behalf of Denise Powell against John Cavanaugh.The fact is: Denise Powell has built a career orchestrating secret donations from special interests and billionaires to dark money groups. Dark money groups that are now under investigation by Nebraska authorities for funneling foreign money into local elections.Democratic voters decide this election — not Denise Powell’s Dark Money Groups and their ads.Once the above signal is covered, or for those who prefer to communicate via mail:Ballots mailed: April 6Early Vote in Person starts: April 13Election Day: May 12Mail and early voting in Nebraska is ROBUST. The timing of mail MUST take that into consideration for those who typically vote early or have requested a ballot.&nbsp;All registered Democrats who have voted in at least two of the last three primaries need to read about John. Mail that accounts for when mail ballots go out and early vote begins is priority.Mail message for all registered Democrats:<ol><li>Economy/Lower Costs: Prices for food, health care, housing, child care, and now <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/rising-gas-prices-hitting-us-household-finances-more-pain-is-expected-2026-03-20/" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">gas</a> have all <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/price-tracker/" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">risen</a> because of Trump and job growth is <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/powell-job-creation-is-near-zero-202637723.html" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">stagnant</a>. John <a href="https://www.facebook.com/johncavanaughforcongress/posts/im-glad-to-see-the-supreme-court-rule-that-trumps-tariffs-are-illegal-and-ill-ke/122164213766893941/" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">opposes</a> the Trump tariffs and in Congress will fight to lower the cost of living and create new good-paying jobs.In the legislature, John passed a bill to <a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/AM/AM3116.pdf" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">eliminate</a> <a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54875" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">the</a> sales tax on diapers, <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/first-time-homebuyer-savings-account-new-sales-taxes-proposed-by-nebraska-senators/" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">sponsored</a> bills to reduce property taxes and <a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59387" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">give</a> Nebraskans help buying their first home, and blocked sales tax increases on groceries. In Washington, he will hold corporations accountable for price gouging, cut taxes for working people instead of billionaires, and make it easier to build new homes more affordably.</li><li>Economy/Health Care: John Cavanaugh believes access to affordable, quality health care is a basic right and has consistently fought to defend coverage for Nebraska families struggling to make ends meet. Now, with Trump and MAGA Republicans <a href="https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/what-does-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-cost/" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">cutting</a> a trillion dollars from Medicaid, and <a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/by-the-numbers-harmful-republican-megabill-will-take-health-coverage-away-from" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">raising</a> health care premiums for millions of hard working Americans, John Cavanaugh <a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=63303" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">sponsored</a> an emergency plan in the State Legislature for the State of Nebraska to prevent premiums from skyrocketing for thousands of Nebraska families.&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/opinion/editorial/article_c69a0ed5-e4cc-4afb-ac82-72a895c19e81.html" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">https://omaha.com/opinion/editorial/article_c69a0ed5-e4cc-4afb-ac82-72a895c19e81.html</a></li><li>Corruption: John Cavanaugh knows corruption controls Washington and it’s holding us back. Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans have rigged the system. That’s why Democrats are for John Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh is <a href="https://www.endcitizensunited.org/end-citizens-united-endorses-state-senator-john-cavanaugh-for-nebraskas-2nd-congressional-district" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">refusing</a> contributions from corporate PACs in his campaign for Congress, <a href="https://omaha.com/opinion/column/article_3d698e9c-caa9-4d05-99f5-83f49542b094.html" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">will</a> sponsor legislation to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks, <a href="https://omaha.com/opinion/column/article_3d698e9c-caa9-4d05-99f5-83f49542b094.html" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">will</a> not trade any stocks himself, and <a href="https://x.com/JCavNE02/status/2020897178172973160" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">supports</a> a constitutional amendment to prevent billionaires from buying our elections. John is the ONLY candidate in this race <a href="https://www.endcitizensunited.org/endorsements" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">endorsed</a> by End Citizens United, a group leading the fight against Big Money in politics.&nbsp;</li></ol>If the above is covered, additional priorities include mail to:<ul><li>Registered Democrats who are 60+ who have voted in at least two of the last three primary elections (2020, 2022, 2024).</li></ul>FOR SENIORS:&nbsp;<ul><li>Social Security: Social Security and Medicare are sacred promises made to generations of workers. Cavanaugh will fight Trump and the MAGA Republicans in Congress who are making cuts to Social Security and Medicare. He’ll also fight those who want to privatize Social Security and gamble guaranteed monthly benefits in the stock market. Cavanaugh <a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/107/PDF/Journal/r1journal.pdf#page=290" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">sponsored</a> legislation that ended state income taxes on Social Security benefits, and he's <a href="https://www.ncpssm.org/documents/latest-news/national-committee-to-preserve-social-security-and-medicare-pac-endorses-john-cavanaugh-for-ne-02/" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">endorsed</a> by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Social Security Works.</li></ul>

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<h2>Stop Violent Crime and Work for Safe Neighborhoods&nbsp;</h2>Finding ways to keep our communities safe is important to me, that’s why the first bill I ever passed in the legislature was one that protected victims of domestic violence by allowing them to break a lease they held with their abuser penalty-free.&nbsp; I’ve also authored legislation to lower the taxes first responders who serve our community for at least 20 years pay on their pensions. This would incentivize our first responders to continue serving Nebraskans rather than moving out of state and address staffing shortages.&nbsp; I also introduced a bill to keep guns out of the hands of children in Nebraska. In Congress, I’ll continue this work so that we can reduce gun violence.

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<h2>Restore Reproductive Rights</h2>MAGA Republicans want to tell Nebraskans what they can and cannot do — I disagree. Women should make the best decisions for themselves with the advice of their doctors, not Donald Trump and Brinker Harding. That is why I led the fight to block a total abortion ban here in Nebraska. This is a fight that is personal for so many women across Nebraska and our country. In Congress, I will always stand up to anti-choice Republicans and oppose any effort to restrict birth control and reproductive care.&nbsp; I will fight to restore the right to an abortion at the federal level and I’ll expand insurance coverage of fertility treatments.&nbsp;

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John Cavanaugh will protect and strengthen Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and opposes efforts to enact devastating cuts which will leave seniors, children, and those in most need of health care without a safety net. Social Security is a promise that we have made to all Americans for nearly a century, and we need to keep it. John will make sure we honor that promise.

Americans should have access to healthcare at a cost they can afford, but Donald Trump and Republicans prioritized tax cuts for billionaires over healthcare subsidies for millions. Without ACA subsidies, more than 100,000 Nebraskans have seen healthcare costs skyrocket just as Trump’s tariffs and costly war are driving up gas, food, and childcare costs.&nbsp; In the Legislature, I just authored an emergency plan to lower healthcare costs for more than 100,000 Nebraskakans who saw their monthly health insurance bill increase this year because of Trump’s cuts. In Congress, I will fight to fully restore the Affordable Care Act tax credits so that families can buy insurance at a lower cost and reverse Trump’s cuts to Medicaid which will impact Nebraskans starting May 1st. We need to hold Big Pharma accountable for their price gouging. And, I will remain focused on lowering the cost of prescription drugs for working families and seniors by expanding Medicare’s ability to negotiate pricing.&nbsp; Trump’s attacks on our healthcare are literally life changing. I met Jennifer, a musician here in Omaha. She gets her health insurance through the ACA exchange and unfortunately needs a double lung transplant. She shared with me that she’s terrified of her family being crushed by medical bills. While she should be focused on recovering, Jennifer and her husband are worrying about their premium increasing from $690 to $2,000. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72HLfb9bJOY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to learn more about Jennifer’s story.</a>

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Reduce the Cost of Healthcare and Improve Access

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Forbes: Nebraska Bill Seeks To Shield Doctors Recommending Medical Cannabis From Arrest

Nebraska Senator Fights Back Against MJ prohibitionists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&nbsp;March 23, 2026 Nebraska State AFL-CIO And Its Affiliates Endorse John Cavanaugh for Congress, Says He’s The Best Candidate to Fight for Working People&nbsp;Cavanaugh is building a broad coalition with the momentum to win both the primary and general elections.Omaha, NE – John Cavanaugh’s campaign announced that Cavanaugh has earned the endorsement of the Nebraska State AFL-CIO and its affiliates. The Nebraska State AFL-CIO represents over 20,000 working people across the state who are members of over 100 affiliated local unions and the Central Labor Council.Mike Gage, Nebraska State AFL-CIO President, said: The Nebraska State AFL-CIO and its affiliates proudly endorse John Cavanaugh to be the next U.S. House member from Nebraska's Second Congressional District. Cavanaugh's commitment to workers and working families is exemplary. In the legislature, he hasn't just been a good vote for us, he's strategically and relentlessly led the fight for better benefits and higher pay. We are confident Cavanaugh will continue this strong advocacy as a Member of Congress. Standing up to Donald Trump's relentless attacks on working people is a top priority of the AFL-CIO, and we know Cavanaugh is best positioned to flip this seat blue and make a difference in Washington.John Cavanaugh said, “I’m grateful to have the support of the Nebraska State AFL-CIO. Labor unions are an important part of a winning coalition and essential in the fight against Trump. I’ve been proud to work alongside labor in the legislature – fighting for apprenticeship opportunities, paid sick leave, and fair contract negotiations.”John has ten other local labor union endorsements and is endorsed by environmental groups like the Sierra Club and the NRDC Action Fund. He is endorsed by the leading anti-corruption organization, End Citizens United, the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, and leading seniors’ groups such as The National Committee to Preserve Social Security &amp; Medicare and Social Security Works.&nbsp; Cavanaugh leads in every poll that has been released to the public. In January, the campaign released a new <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rz6Z69kK5B7m_Iui94og8UsTiLkk8ZIS/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">poll</a> showing his lead growing to 43% among a seven way primary field. Cavanaugh is refusing corporate PAC money and running to stand up to Trump, lower costs, and fight corruption.

NE State AFL-CIO And Affiliates Endorse Cavanaugh, Says He’s Prepared to Fight for Working People

<a href="https://omaha.com/opinion/column/article_77eeaf44-0fe6-4d24-acf9-6814f438aaea.html">Published in the Omaha World-Herald</a>Our Congressman Don Bacon says there is <a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/government-politics/article_85f48af7-949a-4092-82fb-9bf657072440.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">"more good than bad"</a> in Donald Trump's budget bill. I strongly disagree.This bill adds $5 trillion to our national debt, <a href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/breaking-down-one-big-beautiful-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">taking it to $41 trillion</a>.That's a huge problem for our economy. Why would they do this? To give more money to the very wealthiest Americans while regular families pay the price. Our children and grandchildren will have to deal with this debt.Congressman Bacon says voting no on this budget would mean higher taxes for everyone. That is not true. Voting no would mean writing a better budget.Let's start by not extending tax breaks to individuals who earn more than $500,000 per year, which would <a href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/comparing-senate-and-house-obbbas" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">save $1 trillion</a>.Wealthy people should pay their fair share. We can still keep helpful tax cuts for families making less than $200,000, stop taxing tips and overtime pay, and give relief to people on Social Security. Additionally, we wouldn't have to take Medicaid away from 78,000 Nebraskans or <a href="https://itep.org/top-1-to-receive-1-trillion-tax-cut-from-trump-megabill-over-next-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">cut $3.6 billion from Nebraska hospitals</a>.In the Omaha World-Herald, on July 3, 2025, Jeremy Nordquist, President of the Nebraska Hospital Association, says these cuts will hurt healthcare, patients, and hospitals.Congressman Bacon promised to limit Medicaid cuts but then voted for even bigger cuts. The budget also cuts $186 billion from SNAP, a program that helps children, seniors, and people with disabilities access food.This Congress cares more about billionaires than regular people. We need to stop letting special interests control Congress.It’s time to take back the People's House.

John Cavanaugh: I'm running for Don Bacon's seat. He's wrong about Trump's budget bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&nbsp;February 2, 2026John Cavanaugh Leads the NE-02 Field in Fundraising and PollingWith 99 Days Until The Primary, New Q4 Fundraising Numbers Show Cavanaugh As The Only Candidate Growing His Support&nbsp; Omaha, NE&nbsp;– Leading NE-02 Democrat John Cavanaugh reported raising $343,000 in the fourth fundraising quarter of the year, which covers October through December. A poll conducted in January shows him with a 28-point lead in the primary. The full polling memo can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rz6Z69kK5B7m_Iui94og8UsTiLkk8ZIS/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HERE.</a>Cavanaugh’s broad support from voters and his fundraising set him apart from other competitors in NE-02’s Democratic primary.&nbsp;<ul><li>Cavanaugh is the only candidate to raise more money each subsequent quarter. Every other candidate has trended downward quarter after quarter.</li><li>Cavanaugh had the highest percentage of reported Nebraska donors – 46% of his contributions came from Nebraska, with the next closest person at 27%.</li><li>Cavanaugh is the only Democrat in the race who outraised Republican Brinker Harding.</li></ul>Cavanaugh enters 2026 with $410,000 cash on hand, 92% of which can be used in the primary election – unlike other candidates who are using large sums of money expressly reserved for the general election to pump up their disappointing cash-on-hand numbers.&nbsp;Cavanaugh said: “I’m grateful for the outpouring of grassroots support our campaign has received from Nebraskans in every part of the district and proud that we outraised Republican Brinker Harding without taking a dime of corporate PAC money.&nbsp;I hear from so many folks who are fed up with Trump and MAGA Republicans in Washington who are taking away people’s healthcare, raising everyday costs, and lining their own pockets. The investment that Nebraskans have made in our campaign shows that people here are ready for new leaders who will lower costs and stop corruption.” Cavanaugh’s fundraising is particularly impressive because his campaign is refusing corporate PAC money.&nbsp;Cavanaugh’s haul came from individuals and from from influential unions such as International Brotherhood of Electrical Works (IBEW), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the American Postal Workers Union, Railroad Trial Attorneys, SMART-TD, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers &amp; Trainmen, and the Physical Therapy Association.&nbsp; In addition to&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/article_5a734026-3454-478a-9356-9ba1cb348d39.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">broad labor support</a>, Cavanaugh has the support of Congressman Jamie Raskin, Congressman Ro Khanna, and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, as well as an unparalleled roster of current and former elected officials and community leaders across Nebraska. He is endorsed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. Media Contact&nbsp;Katie Bartizal<a href="mailto:katie@johncavanaugh.org">katie@johncavanaugh.org</a>

John Cavanaugh Leads the NE-02 Field in Fundraising and Polling

Nebraska State Sen. John Cavanaugh announces bid for U.S. Congress

Congressional candidate John Cavanaugh talks with voters at town hall

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State Sen. John Cavanaugh running for Congress in Nebraska’s 2nd District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&nbsp;February 13, 2026Leading NE-02 Candidate John Cavanaugh Adds Congressman Greg Casar to Growing List of EndorsersOmaha, NE – John Cavanaugh’s campaign announced the endorsement of Congressman Greg Casar, Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Rep. Casar said: “John Cavanaugh is the right candidate to take back power for working people in Nebraska. By rejecting corporate PAC money and winning the support of labor, John has shown he will always put working families first, just like he has in the Nebraska legislature." Congressman Casar was sworn into office in January 2023 and serves as the Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, composed of more than 100 Members of Congress. A labor organizer and son of Mexican immigrants, he is fighting to raise wages for millions of American workers, restore abortion rights and voting rights, protect veterans and seniors, and tackle the climate crisis. John Cavanaugh said: “I’m thrilled to earn the support of Congressman Casar. I hear from Nebraskans everyday who need Washington to lower healthcare costs, stop Trump’s tariffs from raising their grocery bill, and address the high cost of housing. Americans need Congresspeople who put the interests of working people ahead of billionaires, and I’ll be honored to join Rep. Casar in that fight.” In addition to being endorsed by U.S. Representative Greg Casar, Cavanaugh is endorsed by Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Jamie Raskin and Ro Khanna. Cavanaugh is also endorsed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Committee to Preserve Social Security &amp; Medicare, and the Sierra Club.John has eight union endorsements, including American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Amalgamated Transit Union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 1483, IBEW 763, IBEW 1521, the UA Steamfitters &amp; Plumber Local Union 464, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) Nebraska State Legislative Board&nbsp; and the Machinists, which includes IAM Locals 31, 180, 602, 612, and 1569, along with District 8 and District 19.John is also supported by a long list of local leaders including former Nebraska Governor and Senator Ben Nelson, former Omaha Mayors Jim Suttle and Mike Fahey, and Nebraska State Senators Terrell McKinney, Ashlei Spivey, George Dungan, Danielle Conrad, Victor Rountree, Dan Quick, and Machaela Cavanaugh. Democrat John Cavanaugh is a current State Senator and candidate for Congress in Nebraska’s second Congressional District. Polling shows John has a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rz6Z69kK5B7m_Iui94og8UsTiLkk8ZIS/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">28 point lead</a> in the Democratic primary. John is running to lower costs, protect healthcare and Social Security from the Trump Administration’s attacks, and fight corruption.&nbsp;

Leading NE-02 Candidate John Cavanaugh Adds Congressman Greg Casar to Growing List of Endorsers

Local4’s Four Things You Need to Know for October 16, 2025

<a href="https://omaha.com/opinion/column/article_e1ce700e-3ec8-4c05-a256-dae357c7ea91.html">Published in the Omaha World-Herald.</a>On Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Security_Act" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Social Security Act</a>. For 90 years Social Security has lifted millions out of poverty and provided financial security in retirement through an earned benefit for all older Americans.As we celebrate the 90th anniversary of Social Security, we must renew our commitment to protect Social Security for another 90 years.Social Security was an important part of President Roosevelt’s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Deal.</a> It was enacted into law in 1935, in the middle of the Great Depression. In the midst of massive unemployment and profound poverty, it was created to ensure that older Americans had a basic source of income to meet their monthly needs.Today, 68 million Americans receive Social Security. Here in Nebraska, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), 378,332 Nebraskans receive Social Security, nearly 20% of our population.Social Security is a financial bedrock for working Americans. It has lifted generations of seniors, and others who qualify, out of poverty with guaranteed monthly payments and cost of living increases most years.But today Social Security faces two main threats.<h4>1. Cuts to Social Security:</h4>The first threat is the deep cuts to the administration of Social Security imposed by the DOGE/Trump recommendations and enacted by the current Congress.That means SSA plans to close many field offices around the country. And thousands of employees have been let go. With these staff reductions, fewer people can visit a local office for assistance, and phone help lines are jammed with calls causing very long wait times. They are wrapping Social Security in red tape and making this earned benefit inaccessible. So anyone with a question or problem isn’t getting the service they are entitled to.<h4>2. Funding the System:</h4>The second threat is funding. Without congressional action, the system’s trust fund reserves will no longer be fully funded in 2034. This means people will still receive Social Security every month, but they will receive 19 percent less than they are owed. This problem will only grow over time due to changes in life expectancy and a shrinking workforce.Some Democrats have proposed adjusting the payroll wage cap and including net investment income for higher earners so that the wealthy begin contributing their fair share.Republicans advocate deeper cuts to Social Security, by raising the retirement age, lowering the cost of living adjustments, or outright privatizing the system. Or just plain making it harder for people to access their earned benefit through increased red tape.Just a few weeks ago, President Trump’s Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the proposed “Trump Accounts” would be the backdoor avenue to privatizing Social Security.Privatizing Social Security would mean that benefits would be tied to the stock market. That means your guaranteed monthly payment would be gambled in the stock market and at risk every month. These are benefits that recipients have paid for all of their working lives with the expectation that they could count on predictable monthly payments. The only winner under a privatization scheme would be Wall Street.If I earn your trust and am elected to Congress, I’ll fight to protect and improve Social Security for the next 90 years and beyond. Both for current beneficiaries and for generations to come.I’ll look for bipartisan solutions to put the system on a stronger, longer term financial footing. I’ll also use my experience as a State Senator to cut the red tape and restore funding to how Social Security is administered so that people get the help they need. And I’ll always fight any scheme to privatize the system.90 years ago, America made a promise that we must keep so that we have a Social Security system that will be strong and safe for generations to come.

John Cavanaugh: Here's how I'd work in Congress to protect Social Security

‘Utter failure’: Nebraska lawmakers hear testimony on rollout of medical cannabis

NE lawmakers scrutinize medical cannabis regulations amid legal challenges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&nbsp;March 2, 2026Leading Anti-Corruption Organization End Citizens United Endorses John Cavanaugh in NE-02Cavanaugh is refusing corporate PAC money and will fight to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks.Omaha, NE – Today End Citizens United (ECU), a leading national anti-corruption organization, endorsed State Senator John Cavanaugh for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. Cavanaugh is part of<a href="http://www.endcitizensunited.org/unrig-washington" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Unrig Washington</a>, a coalition launched by ECU in which candidates reject corporate PAC money, support a ban on congressional stock trading, and work to end dark money in politics. “By refusing to take corporate PAC money, John Cavanaugh is showing voters that he cannot be bought,” said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. “He understands that we cannot make progress on the most pressing issues facing Nebraska families, like the cost of living crisis or health care, as long as politicians are captured by corporate special interests. John is a true voice for the people, and we are proud to endorse his campaign.” “I’m grateful for the endorsement of End Citizens United,” said State Senator John Cavanaugh. "With Trump and Republicans in power, we've seen corruption run rampant in our government. And from misguided tariffs to cruel healthcare cuts—their corruption is fueling our affordability crisis. I’m ready to stand up to anyone who puts special interests ahead of Nebraskans. I won’t take corporate PAC money or trade stocks while in Congress because Nebraskans should never have to guess who their elected leaders work for. I look forward to working with End Citizens United to root out the corruption that’s making life more expensive for so many families across our state.” Cavanaugh has written two op-eds in the Omaha World Herald about corruption. Most recently, he wrote about Trump’s <a href="https://omaha.com/opinion/column/article_a248623f-98f8-40f3-9a4a-0c6a9c350096.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">unprecedented corruption</a> and what it has cost Nebraska families, writing: “Trump’s corruption has consequences — it's adding to the affordability crisis. His greed and corruption mean that he’ll happily let corporations and other countries do as they please if it means they’ll pay up. Trump doesn’t care that his tariffs mean families pay more for groceries, electronics, and even housing.” In September, Cavanaugh <a href="https://omaha.com/opinion/column/article_3d698e9c-caa9-4d05-99f5-83f49542b094.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">announced</a> his pledge not to trade stocks while in Congress, writing: “Members of Congress shouldn’t be getting rich off information they learn in private briefings. It should go without saying that they should be acting in their constituents’ best interest, not thinking about their stock portfolio.” Democrat John Cavanaugh is a current State Senator and candidate for Congress in Nebraska’s second Congressional District. Polling shows John has a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rz6Z69kK5B7m_Iui94og8UsTiLkk8ZIS/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">28 point lead </a>i n the Democratic primary. John is running to lower costs, protect healthcare and Social Security from the Trump Administration’s attacks, and fight corruption.&nbsp;

Leading Anti-Corruption Organization End Citizens United Endorses John Cavanaugh in NE-02