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Education
Bachelor of Science, Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, and Doctor of Public Health (Defense April 2026) - University of Nebraska Medical Center. Masters of Public Health - Tulane University.
Military experience
30 years active duty in the United States Navy
Volunteer experience
Member, NDP Environment and Climate Council; Mentor, Girl Security; Co-Chair GeoHealth Policy Committee, American Geophysics Union; Policy Reviewer, UN Environmental Program Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-7). Environmental Policy Commissioner.
Other Social Media
IG: Kishlaaskinsforcongress
X and/or Bluesky Handle
https://x.com/kishlaaskins
I would cut the deficit the responsible way: pay for new programs, close wasteful tax loopholes for corporations and top 5% income earners, and stop giving special favors to those at the top. I would lower healthcare costs by investing in prevention, primary care, and better prescription drug pricing. I would protect Social Security and Medicare while strengthening them for the long term. I would require every federal agency to pass a real audit and demand results. I would grow the economy through jobs, manufacturing, and workforce investment, because a stronger economy is key to long-term fiscal strength.
Protect benefits and extend solvency with a clear commitment: no cuts to earned benefits. Lift the payroll tax cap so income above $400,000 is taxed for Social Security, and apply Social Security taxes to investment income for the highest earners. Close the gap so high earners pay Social Security taxes on all their income, just like working families do. Strengthen benefits for low-income seniors and provide Social Security credits for caregivers so that time spent caring for family does not reduce retirement benefits. Strengthen workforce participation, so more people are working and paying into the system. Modernize administration to improve efficiency and service, with strong oversight to ensure accurate payments.
Immigration reform should be lawful, orderly, fair, and humane, while meeting our economic and national security needs.
Secure the border with modern technology, sufficient personnel, and faster processing so people are not stuck in chaos. Go after traffickers and cartels, not families. Fix the immigration aspect of the legal system by clearing the backlog, hiring more immigration judges, and delivering faster, fair decisions. Require accountability: people here without status need to be registered, pass background checks, pay taxes, and earn a fair pathway to citizenship.
Protect Dreamers, keep families together, enforce the law with accountability, and address root causes with partner countries.
Nebraskans and the Constitution are my bosses. For more than three decades, I’ve improved care and systems across communities and sectors, led cross-agency efforts to transform services, and led missions where lives were on the line. From war zones to hospitals, the Pentagon to the U.S. Senate and the VA, I’ve taken on complex problems and delivered results. I’ve released SHIELD, my economic plan to bring thousands of jobs to Nebraska and address the brain drain. My healthcare plan will redefine primary care and fix the delivery system, not just the payer system. I’ll be accountable to you, accessible and transparent, always serving with integrity, focused on lowering costs, strengthening communities, and delivering results.
Education
B.A. Catholic University of America, JD The Vermont Law School, MA The Vermont Law School
Current Public Office, dates
Nebraska Legislature 2021 - Present
Other Social Media
instagram.com/johncavanaughne
X and/or Bluesky Handle
x.com/JCavNE02
Trump has given billionaires and big corporations tax breaks. Instead we should raise taxes on the ultra-wealthy and close tax loopholes that let multinational corporations avoid paying taxes.
We can save taxpayer money by passing a bill that would allow Medicare to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs. Less taxpayer money would go to Pharma companies as a result.
Defense spending is a major part of our budget and we need Congress to reassert its authority over Trump’s spending.
As a State Senator I have been in tough budget negotiations. I’ve always put working people first and held Republicans’ feet to the fire when they tried to raise taxes on middle class families.
Social Security and Medicare are sacred promises made to generations of workers. I will fight Trump and the MAGA Republicans in Congress who want to privatize Social Security and gamble guaranteed monthly benefits in the stock market.
To extend the solvency of Social Security, I’d advocate we keep Social Security taxes the same for most people, but raise the amount that those making somewhere around $500,000 pay in.
I sponsored and passed legislation in the state legislature that ended state income taxes on Social Security benefits, and I am endorsed by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Social Security Works.
Our whole immigration system needs reform and modernization, and we need to address the massive backlog of people awaiting immigration proceedings.
A successful plan will consider the very real needs of businesses who rely on and benefit from immigrant labor, have strong protections for asylum seekers, and expand legal pathways for immigrants who come here for work or to reunite with family.
I have been horrified by the Trump Administration’s approach to immigration. ICE is out of control and we must stop masked ICE agents from violating people’s civil liberties. The cruelty and incompetence we have seen from ICE does not make Nebraska safer.
In the state legislature I’ve used every bit of power I have to make life better for Nebraskans. I led the fight to block a total abortion ban, protected our Blue Dot, and repealed the state tax on diapers.
This year I’ve introduced bills to give patients access to medical cannabis and sponsored an emergency plan to lower healthcare costs after Republicans in Congress refused to extend the ACA healthcare tax credits.
I’ll bring that same fight to Washington. Every bill I have ever passed is bipartisan, but I’ll stand up to anyone to do what’s right. I’m refusing corporate PAC money in my run for Congress, won’t trade stocks while in Congress, and will fight for a constitutional amendment to stop billionaires from buying our elections.
Education
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Current Public Office, dates
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Past Public Office, dates held
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Military experience
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Volunteer experience
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X and/or Bluesky Handle
@The1Knocking
Eliminate the fraud- prosecution-Conviction of the fraudsters, embezzlers, and every one connected to the deceptive practices first and foremost. Then I would drastically cut spending and reverse the Covid era inflated budgets that still persist, years after the pandemic ended.
Keep the cookie jar locked. Make sure No Federal entities or agency has the access to it except for those authorized in its discernment. Verification and auditing of recipients of SS. Options for Those who would choose to invest in a RothIRA or similar and withdraw from Social Security contributing.
Adherence to the Federal Law already on the books. Prosecutions and Holdings for those out of compliance of Immigration laws. A fast lane to citizenship for those who can pass a live Constitutional and Civics test. Make application processing more expedient using AI.
I'm not a career politician; I'm one of you, earning an honest dollar every day. Washington is broken. As your representative, I'll tackle corruption and waste directly—cutting fraud in federal programs, ending unnecessary spending, and using those savings to actually lower taxes so you keep more of what you've earned and build real self-sufficiency without dependency on Government.
I'll champion liberty and peace, protecting all your rights. Securing borders responsibly and opposing new wars. I'll stand for blue collar values. No big donor influence, just honest work. Physical responsibility and maximum effort. The only promise I can make; When I win, You Win.
Education
University of Kansas
Current Public Office, dates
Omaha City Council, 2017 – Present
X and/or Bluesky Handle
x.com/brinkerharding
Congress does not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. The deficit is not just jeopardizing our grandchildren’s financial future, but it endangers our national security as well. As the national debt approaches $40 trillion, we are now spending more on the interest payment on our debt than we do on our national defense.
As a first step, we must restore regular order to the budget process and stop playing political games with funding the government. That’s why I support legislation to pause Congress’ pay if they can’t pass a budget to fund the government by the October 1 cutoff.
If the military isn’t getting paid during a shutdown, Congress shouldn’t get paid either. This measure will incentivize responsible governance.
As stated previously, we must preserve Social Security for existing beneficiaries and future retirees paying into the system today. All options should be on the table to tackle this rubik's cube.
Essential to the process, Republicans and Democrats must work together to get it done. That means accepting that neither side will get 100% of what they want, but ensuring that America is in a stronger position in the end.
No reforms to Social Security should change the process for current beneficiaries. We made a promise to working Americans that if you pay into the system, you will earn those benefits back in retirement. We must keep that promise.
Immigration reform starts with a secure border and complete control of the inflow of immigrants into our nation. We are a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. We want immigrants who will make America stronger and contribute to our economy, culture, and civil society – not people trying to game the system. As far as deportations go, we should be focused on removing illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. I also support efforts to bring more transparency to ICE through body cameras for officers and identifiable uniforms.
I have helped grow Omaha’s economy in both the public and private sectors for my entire professional career. From the Riverfront Parks, to the downtown Convention Center, to the world-class library we are building on 72nd and Dodge, to the Dodge Expressway, all the way to Olde Towne Elkhorn, I am proud to have played a role in making Omaha the #1 City to Move to in America (Forbes).
We have balanced our budget and cut taxes, invested in smart economic development projects in our community, and prioritized strong police and public safety. As a result, our local economy has taken off.
Omaha’s growth didn’t come from one person or idea, but through public-private partnerships and collaboration. I will take that same approach to DC.
Education
MPP, University of Chicago, BA, Creighton University
Past Public Office, dates held
Policy Director for U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, other senior staff roles in Congress 2005-2025
Other Social Media
IG: @jamesleuschen
X and/or Bluesky Handle
@James_Leuschen
If we don’t fix the debt now, my kids will be forced to. I wrote budgets while working in Congress, so I know it starts with the first rule of holes: when you’re in one, stop digging. With a $39 trillion debt and interest payments now larger than our defense budget, we’re in a big hole. But Trump went the other direction, adding $4 trillion more to deficits with his tax cuts for the wealthy and well connected. I’ll reverse Trump’s tax cuts for billionaires, finally get the wealthiest to pay their fair share, and focus on tax relief for working families. I’ll lead on building consensus across the aisle on a path forward, because real deficit reduction will require hard choices and those are more sustainable with bipartisan buy-in.
Social Security lifts more Americans out of poverty than any other program. It’s not just seniors - I received Social Security survivor benefits after my dad passed when I was in high school. The trust fund only has about 7 years left before it runs out of money, cutting seniors’ checks by 17%. Congress needs to act. Right now, people stop paying Social Security tax when they make over $185,000. It’s why Warren Buffett famously pays a lower tax rate than his secretary. I’ll make sure those with very high incomes continue to pay into Social Security, extending solvency and ensuring we keep our promise that seniors’ earned benefits are paid in full. I know from experience what’s at stake here and am ready to get to work to fix it.
Our immigration system is broken, and both parties are at fault. We can all agree that violent criminals here illegally should be deported, but the tactics Trump and ICE are using are un-American. He’s sowing chaos, undermining due process, and targeting law-abiding citizens. We can do this in a smart way where we target the problem while offering a path to citizenship to immigrants who are here paying taxes, working and living in our communities, and contributing to our economy. There is a bipartisan bill for real reform that I support to strengthen border security and provide that pathway to citizenship. It would make us safer and more secure, while treating people fairly and humanely. Trump killed it because he wants this chaos.
Everywhere I go in Nebraska, I hear that costs are too high. Trump’s policy choices are why - from his tariff and tax policies pushing up the cost of groceries, housing, and utilities, to health care cuts raising premiums, to his war with Iran raising gas prices. I know what Nebraska families are facing because I’m living it too, raising three boys here and helping care for my mom. I’m the last person Trump wants in Washington - someone who knows how that place works and can hold him accountable. I spent 20 years as an economic policy expert in Congress working to lower costs. I’m the only candidate in this race who will be ready on day one to hold Trump accountable, lower costs for Nebraska families, and get things done for our community.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Communications, Public Relations and Political Science
Volunteer experience
Volunteer Experience: Guild and board service with Girls Inc. of Omaha, Opera Omaha, Amplify Arts, Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement, Women's Center for Advancement, Common Senses Festival, Western Hills Elementary PTO, Lewis & Clark Middle
Other Social Media
Instagram: @deniseforcongress
X and/or Bluesky Handle
@DeniseForNE
In his first year in office, Trump added more than $2.25 trillion to the national debt. It is clear Congress needs to take back its authority over decisions that have critical impacts on the nation’s budget. As a small business owner who has also worked for large and mid-sized companies, I know what it means to make strategic trade offs to balance a budget. In Congress, I will fight for fair tax policies in which billionaires and corporations pay their fair share. I will work to lower prescription drug prices which would not only benefit consumers, but save billions of dollars annually. I will vote against foreign wars with no strategic objectives and that put American troops and innocent civilians at risk, while costing Americans billions.
We must always protect Social Security and ensure the seniors of both today and tomorrow can always count on the benefits they’ve earned. First, we should raise the cap on taxable income so billionaires pay their fair share to help close the long-term deficit gap. Then, we must fight against any attempts to cut benefits or privatize Social Security, which would put seniors’ earned benefits at risk.
I am the daughter of immigrants who carries my passport with me everywhere I go. This issue is personal for me. We must completely overhaul and stop ICE from terrorizing our community. We need to hold federal law enforcement agents to the same high standards we hold local law enforcement officials. I will fight to ban warrantless searches, ban ICE from operating in schools and hospitals, and require independent investigations of reports of abuse. I’ve worked with our immigrant community, and know the system is challenging to navigate. We must keep our borders secure and create a pathway to citizenship for those who have been living and working lawfully (in particular in industries with labor shortages), including DACA recipients.
I’m not a politician. I’m a fired-up working mom who is tired of hearing the same old rhetoric from career politicians who don’t prioritize the needs of working people. I’m a small business owner and I’ve helped elect dozens of candidates across the state. I’ve fought some of the toughest battles in Nebraska - from helping advocate for minimum wage expansion and paid sick leave, to fighting for our public schools and against a total abortion ban. I’ve worked to build broad and diverse coalitions of support around issues that matter to people in this state. For me, winning this election is about more than becoming the first Congresswoman from NE-02, it’s about winning for Nebraskans. Fighting for real change, for real people.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Psychology and Political Science, University of Nebraska Omaha. Master of Science Political Science, University of Nebraska Omaha
Current Public Office, dates
Clerk of the District Court 2022-2026
Past Public Office, dates held
Clerk of the District Court 2022-2026, Nebraska Public Service Commission 2014-2022, Metropolitan Community College Board 2006-2014
We must reduce discretionary spending and focus on growing the economy to increase tax revenues. We can stabilize the cost of servicing our debt by utilizing lower interest rates and negotiating higher rates on government investments and holdings to generate additional revenue. While in office, I achieved significant savings by evaluating processes and making data-driven cost decisions. We also increased revenue by seeking higher yields on accounts holding funds for the court, state, or county. These types of administrative improvements produce substantial savings without disrupting the workforce or essential services and can be done at the federal level.
Making Social Security more solvent requires a combination of increasing revenue, reducing benefits, or adjusting eligibility. I support lifting or eliminating the taxable maximum on earnings, increasing the payroll tax rate, and implementing means-testing for high earners over $400,000 annually. Currently, only earnings up to a certain amount ($176,100 in 2025) are taxed; raising or eliminating this cap would increase income and stabilize the solvency of Social Security. Increasing wages paid to workers would also increase revenue for Social Security and improve solvency, so adjusting minimum wage to a living wage would help to improve solvency.
Comprehensive immigration reform in the U.S. should strengthen border security, create legal pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and address labor shortages in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and STEM by updating visa systems and enhancing worker protections. We need a framework that combines border enforcement (personnel, technology, and physical security) with screening programs, requiring background checks and payment of back taxes for undocumented individuals. Reform should include both a "pathway to citizenship" and "legal status" which would allow immigrants to work and pay taxes even if they are not seeking citizenship.
In my two decades of service I have produced millions of dollars in savings for taxpayers by making the government more efficient and updating outdated systems. I found new sources of revenue without creating new or increasing existing taxes. I’ve navigated party rancor and built bipartisan bridges to deliver for the voters. I know when to fight and when to compromise and most importantly, how to get things done. I have the experience and qualifications to be effective. I’m the only candidate from a working class background who knows what everyday Americans are up against and am best positioned to prioritize their issues instead of wealthy donors or special interests.
Volunteer experience
1982 Virginia Walsh Sen Campaign; 1986 Helen Boosalis Gov Campaign; 1989-1992 Women's clinic escort; 1994 Brenda Council Mayor Race; 2004-2011 Enrichment chess-LPS, OPS & Girls Inc.; 2016 & 2020 Bernie Sanders for President.
Progressive wealth tax for net income over $32 mil (1-8%), closing tax loopholes for the wealthy; taxing capital gains as ordinary income; financial transactions tax on stocks and bonds; significantly tighter congressional controls on "Dept. of War" spending, esp. foreign & “forever” wars;
Pass the Sanders/Ro Khanna “Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share” Act, that would establish a 5% annual wealth tax on the 938 billionaires in America—collectively worth $8.2 trillion(!). In its first year, the bill would provide a $3,000 direct payment to every man, woman and child in a household making $150,000 or less, and use the est. $4.4 trillion in revenue raised over the next decade to address the most pressing crises facing working families.
Raise the cap from 250k for a fairer share of contributions from the wealthiest into the social security system, to not only ensure solvency for the next 75 years, but to expand benefits by providing services to America’s seniors that are so desperately needed. Social security is not an entitlement, it is a tax into an insurance policy that we all are required to pay our entire working lives, so that we are assured a livable income after retirement. Currently, there are more seniors living in poverty in the US than in nearly any other industrialized country.
I support abolishing ICE and CBP and using their budgets for a more competent, humane, lawful, and functional system. Our immigration system has been neglected and politicized for decades. I support a clear pathway to citizenship for undocumented people who are contributing and following the law. We must fix a broken legal system and replace chaos with order. Security matters—but cruelty and political theater are not solutions. We can have both secure borders and humane policies, and I will fight for both.
I will earn voters’ trust by being clear on the issues that I would be sent to Washington to fight for. I will make a difference by showing up differently. I am not a politician, and I don't approach politics as anyone but a real person. As someone who grew up through poverty and had to navigate a system that didn't adequately address the needs of people, I know that I am only running to effectively fight for what people need. I do not accept corporate PAC or AIPAC money. I believe in human dignity, human rights, and civil liberties—all which are at stake in this election. We can not change systems by “centrist” incrementalism. The establishment wants to protect the status-quo; but voters want substantial change.
