Another candidate has entered the race to replace Don Bacon as congressional representative for the Omaha metro-area in Nebraska’s second district.
Democrat James Leuschen of Omaha spent two decades as a senior staffer in Congress, focusing mainly on economic policy. His resume includes serving as Policy Director to former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and working with Former NE-02 Congressman Brad Ashford to get the Omaha VA medical center built, a project that had been stalled. His campaign treasurer is Ashford’s son, John.
He is the sixth candidate to jump in the race for the democratic nomination, joining State Sen. John Cavanaugh, Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades, political action committee co-founder Denise Powell, former congressional staffer and veteran Kishla Askins, and attorney Evangelos Argyrakis.
Leuschen says his campaign is about holding President Donald Trump accountable and tackling affordability for rising costs of groceries, child care, and housing.
“I grew up here in Omaha, and this community carried my family through our toughest days,” said Leuschen in a statement. “Now, I’m stepping up to fight for our families, to lower costs, protect Social Security and Medicare, and make sure our kids have the same opportunities I had. I’m ready to take on Trump and have the experience to address the challenges facing Nebraska families.”
He ties his campaign to his personal life, being a father of three kids and caring for an aging parent.
“I’m the only candidate in this race with the experience to hold Trump accountable and lower costs for working families — because I’ve done it before,” concluded Leuschen. “From expanding the Child Tax Credit to put more money in the pockets of families to delivering new resources for Nebraska veterans, I know how to get things done, even in a broken Washington.”
Leuschen says he’ll fight to protect benefits like Social Security, make sure kids have chances to succeed, and that his Washington experience means he knows how to get results.
“After four decades representing union members, I know what it means to fight for working families — and so does James Leuschen,” said Terry Moore, President Emeritus, Omaha Labor Federation.
“My Dad, Congressman Brad Ashford fought hard for the project, but partisan gridlock kept it stuck. That’s when he turned to James. James had the relationships, experience, and relentlessness to create a unique public-private partnership — and get this passed,” said John Ashford.
For more information on Leuschen’s campaign, visit jamesleuschen.com.