John Cavanaugh Leads the NE-02 Field in Fundraising and Polling
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2026
John Cavanaugh Leads the NE-02 Field in Fundraising and Polling
With 99 Days Until The Primary, New Q4 Fundraising Numbers Show Cavanaugh As The Only Candidate Growing His Support
Omaha, NE – 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 HERE.
Cavanaugh’s broad support from voters and his fundraising set him apart from other competitors in NE-02’s Democratic primary.
Cavanaugh is the only candidate to raise more money each subsequent quarter. Every other candidate has trended downward quarter after quarter.
Cavanaugh had the highest percentage of reported Nebraska donors – 46% of his contributions came from Nebraska, with the next closest person at 27%.
Cavanaugh is the only Democrat in the race who outraised Republican Brinker Harding.
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.
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.
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. 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 & Trainmen, and the Physical Therapy Association.
In addition to broad labor support, 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
Katie Bartizal