FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 12, 2026

First Environmental Group to Endorse in NE-02: Sierra Club Endorses John Cavanaugh 

Frontrunner John Cavanaugh maintains a 28 point lead in the polls and is growing his coalition every day.

Omaha, NE – Today John Cavanaugh’s campaign announced the endorsement of the Sierra Club. With over 3,000 members in Nebraska alone, the Sierra Club works to advance climate solutions and ensure everyone has access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment.

Nebraska Sierra Club Political Committee Chair Sharon Clawson said: “In the Nebraska legislature John Cavanaugh has proven that he'll always side with working people over corporations when it comes to cleaning up our air and water and protecting Nebraska's natural resources. We are excited to help elect a Democrat to this seat for the first time in more than a decade, and know that John will be a partner for those of us who want to reduce pollution and protect our environment."

Cavanaugh said: “I grew up attending the spring migration of the sandhill and whooping cranes in central Nebraska every March. That experience taught me to think about protecting Nebraska’s natural resources — a goal I’ve carried with me in the Nebraska legislature, where I was proud to bring together farmers and climate groups to pass a bipartisan bill to allow more renewable energy installations in agriculture. That bill helped farmers be profitable and was a win for the environment, and that’s the type of legislation I plan to work on in Congress. I’m proud to have Sierra Club with us in this fight.”

The Sierra Club is the oldest and largest environmental organization in America. Founded in 1892, Sierra Club is now more than two million members strong. From securing protection for 439 parks and monuments, to winning passage of the Clean Air and Endangered Species Acts, to putting over 281 coal plants on the path to replacement with clean energy, to securing the right of every kid in America to visit a national park, the Sierra Club has a record of success and impact.

Cavanaugh is also endorsed by Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Jamie Raskin and Ro Khanna. Cavanaugh is also endorsed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare.

John and 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 & Plumber Local Union 464, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) Nebraska State Legislative Board  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 28 point lead in the Democratic primary. John is running to lower costs, protect healthcare and Social Security from the Trump Administration’s attacks, and fight corruption.