State Sen. John Cavanaugh fights GOP group's ad blitz and rival criticisms in Dem primary in NE-02 [View all]

Source: Nebraska Examiner

A memo from national Republicans hinted that the GOP would prefer to face Cavanaugh
By: Juan Salinas II - April 3, 2026 2:14 pm Updated 7:27 pm

OMAHA — Nebraska State Sen. John Cavanaugh is pushing back against a Republican-backed ad blitz targeting him during the stretch run of a contested Democratic primary in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District.

He held a press conference Friday at the local Nebraska Democratic Party office flanked by state party leaders and some of his legislative colleagues, including State Sen. Ashlei Spivey of Omaha and State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue.

Cavanaugh called it a sign of his strength that the GOP ads had singled him out. Others, including some of his opponents, questioned whether Republicans were meddling in the Democratic primary to boost his campaign and blunt the impact of some recent criticisms of his bid.

“I’m disgusted, but not surprised, by the dark money MAGA Republican super PAC is trying to trick voters,” Cavanaugh said. “ I believe Democrats know me. They know what I’ve done. They will see through these false and cynical attacks.”


State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha at a Nebraska Democratic Party office in Omaha on April 3, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/ Nebraska Examiner)

Read more: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/04/03/state-sen-john-cavanaugh-fights-gop-groups-ad-blitz-and-rival-criticisms-in-dem-primary-in-ne-02/