John Cavanaugh | |
|---|---|
.png) Cavanaugh in 2025 | |
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 9th district | |
| Assumed office January 6, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Sara Howard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1980-10-06) October 6, 1980 Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Kathleen McGill |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | John J. Cavanaugh III (father) Machaela Cavanaugh (sister) |
| Education | Catholic University (BA) Vermont Law School (MA, JD) |
John Joseph Cavanaugh Jr. (born October 6, 1980) is an American attorney and politician serving as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 9th district. Elected in November 2020, he assumed office on January 6, 2021.
He ran for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district in the 2026 election.[1] He lost in the primary election to Denise Powell.[2]
Early career
Cavanaugh was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He is one of eight siblings.[3] His father, John J. Cavanaugh III, was also a member of the Nebraska Legislature and represented Nebraska's 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 1981. His sister, Machaela Cavanaugh, is also a member of the Nebraska Legislature.[4] Cavanaugh graduated from Creighton Preparatory School in 1999. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Catholic University of America in 2003, followed by a Master of Arts in environmental policy and a Juris Doctor from the Vermont Law School.[5]
Cavanaugh was an intern in both chambers of the United States Congress. From 2006 to 2008, he worked in quality assurance for FirstComp Insurance.[6] He also worked as an attorney and assistant public defender.[7]
Nebraska State Legislature
In the 2020 election, Cavanaugh ran for District 9 of Nebraska's Legislative District which covers a portion of Omaha, Nebraska, in Douglas County.[8] He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in November 2020 and assumed office on January 6, 2021.[9]
As of 2025, Cavanaugh serves as the Vice Chairperson on the General Affairs Committee, and a member on the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs and Urban Affairs Committee. He is also a member of the Committee On Committees, Midwestern Higher Education Compact Commission, and Justice Reinvestment Oversight (LB605).[10][11][12]
U.S. House campaign
2026
On June 4, 2025, Cavanaugh announced his campaign for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district, his father's old congressional seat and a district Kamala Harris carried in the 2024 presidential election.[1] In a primary contest littered with spoiler candidates, viable contender Denise Powell edged out the Democratic victory.[2]
Personal life
Cavanaugh is married and has four children.[11]
References
- Salinas, Juan II (June 4, 2025). "State Sen. John Cavanaugh running for Congress in Nebraska's 2nd District • Nebraska Examiner". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- Beck, Mergery A.; Peoples, Steve (May 13, 2026). "Denise Powell wins Democratic primary in Nebraska's 'blue dot' 2nd District". Associated Press. Archived from the original on May 14, 2026. Retrieved May 14, 2026.
- Gamareician, Barbara (August 14, 1977). "A Congressional Wife's 'Down Home' Letter From Washington". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- "Former Rep. John Cavanaugh's daughter seeks Nebraska Legislature seat". AP NEWS. July 24, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- "John Cavanaugh". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- "John Cavanaugh's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- "Senator John Cavanaugh on Meaningful Conversations and Progress in the Nebraska Legislature". 91.5 KIOS-FM. October 9, 2021. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- "Legislative District 9" (PDF). Retrieved July 15, 2025.
- admin (March 22, 2019). "Cavanaugh continues family legacy of public service". Unicameral Update. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- "Nebraska Legislature Committees". nebraskalegislature.gov. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
- "Nebraska Senator Landing Page - Senator John Cavanaugh". nebraskalegislature.gov.
- "Select and Special Committees". Retrieved July 15, 2025.