OMAHA - Patrick Leahy of Omaha announced Wednesday he is running for a seat in the Nebraska Legislature, pledging to use his experience in business, the military and public service to represent District 6.

The district's current representative is State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, who cannot seek reelection in 2026 due to term limits.

“Nebraska is facing many challenges — from workforce shortages in nearly every sector, to high property taxes, to rising costs on everyday necessities like housing and childcare, and groceries,” Leahy, 42, said in a press release. “I am running to tackle these issues head on and unapologetically represent hardworking families and small businesses in District 6.”

Leahy is the chief executive of First Star Recycling, the state's largest recycling provider and "works to advance responsible waste management and sustainability practices across the state." He previously held executive roles at non-profits, overseeing fundraising efforts.

Leahy has served nearly 20 years in the military and is a major in the U.S. Army Reserve, working for U.S. Strategic Command.

He previously served in elected office as a member of the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors from 2013 to 2019. That board oversees flood control, water quality and trail initiatives across the region, and Leahy noted it cut property tax rates during those years. Leahy's first experience in public service was as a constituent services staffer for U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, Nebraska's last Democrat to win a statewide election.
For the full article, click HERE.