New Poll Shows Wide Cavanaugh Lead In NE-02 Democratic Primary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28th, 2025
New Poll Shows Wide Cavanaugh Lead In NE-02 Democratic Primary
Omaha, NE — Today, the John Cavanaugh for Congress campaign released polling results that show Cavanaugh with a wide lead over the rest of the field in the NE-02 Democratic Primary. An Omaha native and State Senator, John Cavanaugh has a proven track record of standing up for Nebraska families in the legislature, and is running to fight against the Trump chaos and repeal the Big Ugly Bill.
The poll shows John as the primary’s frontrunner, leading by more than 20 points over his closest rival and the only candidate with name ID over 50 percent. Cavanaugh’s vote share exceeds the total of his four other named opponents combined, and his dominant position extends to double digit leads with every significant demographic, geographic, and ideological subgroup across the electorate. The poll of 400 likely Democratic voters was conducted July 21-23 and the full results can be found here.
Karl Agne, Pollster at GBAO, issued the following statement:
“Cavanaugh’s significant lead in this crowded primary field clearly reflects his deep roots in and around Omaha and his long record of effective public service. With John’s name ID over 70 percent and a vote total exceeding the four other challengers, he starts this race with a significant advantage. In order for any other candidate to challenge him, they would first have to dramatically increase their name ID and then consolidate virtually all undecided voters — an extremely tall task in a crowded primary.”
John Cavanaugh has been endorsed by an impressive and diverse group of Democrat leaders including:
Ben Nelson, Former U.S. Senator & Governor
Bob Kerrey, Former U.S. Senator & Governor
Jim Suttle, Former Omaha Mayor
Mike Fahey, Former Omaha Mayor
Terrell McKinney, State Senator
Ashlei Spivey, State Senator
George Dungan, State Senator
Danielle Conrad, State Senator
Victor Rountree, State Senator
Dan Quick, State Senator
Machaela Cavanaugh, State Senator
Patty Pansing Brooks, Former State Senator
Carol Blood, Former State Senator
Steve Lathrop, Former State Senator
Danny Begley, President of the Omaha City Council
Tom Riley, Douglas County Public Defender
Jim Cavanaugh, Douglas County Commissioner
Dan Esch, Douglas County Clerk
Deb Neary, State Board of Education Member
Mark Martinez, Former United States Marshal
Bill & Nancy Hoppner
Democrat John Cavanaugh is a current State Senator and candidate for Congress in Nebraska’s second Congressional District. John is running to lower costs, protect healthcare and Social Security from the Trump Administration’s attacks, and fight corruption.
Media Contact
Katie Bartizal