Democrat James Leuschen enters 2nd Congressional District race

The field of Democratic candidates in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional district just got bigger.

James Leuschen, the former policy director for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, launched his campaign Thursday.

“I’m running for Congress because I know firsthand what Nebraska families are up against,” he said. “Donald Trump’s tax and tariff policies are sowing chaos and making life more expensive for families here. As a dad to three kids and son to an aging parent, I see how the cost of groceries, child care, elderly care, and housing continue to go up under Trump’s policies, and relief is nowhere in sight.”

Leuschen grew up in Omaha and is a graduate of Creighton University. While in Washington, Leuschen worked with former Nebraska Congressman Brad Ashford to bring a Veterans Affairs medical facility to Omaha. Ashford’s son, John, is Leuschen’s campaign treasurer.

“The VA medical facility in Omaha wouldn’t exist without James Leuschen,” John Ashford said. “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.”

Leuschen joins a field that includes Navy veteran Kishla Askins, State Sen. John Cavanaugh, political action committee co-founder Denise Powell and Douglas County District Court clerk Crystal Rhodes.

Retired eye surgeon Mark Johnston dropped out of the race earlier this month.

On the Republican side, former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom and Omaha City Council Vice President Brinker Harding are vying for their party’s nomination.

Republican Rep. Don Bacon, who was first elected to the seat in 2016, announced his retirement earlier this year. Following his retirement, the Cook Political Report shifted the district from a toss-up to lean Democrat.

The 2nd Congressional District contains all of Douglas and Saunders Counties and western Sarpy County.

The primary election takes place May 12.