Senator Jen Day represents District 49 and is up for reelection. A mom, an entrepreneur and business owner, a wife, an activist, and even a competitive weightlifter, she is an independent voice in the unicameral who stands up for regular Nebraskans. She has also been a fierce advocate for transgender children in the unicameral, strongly opposing both LB 574 and LB 575 during 2023-2024 (the 108th Legislature). She has also previously introduced legislation to support same sex marriage and opposed book bans that disproportionally target LGBTQ+ and BIPOC children. Rainbow Parents have been grateful for the many ways that Senator Day has  listened to and partnered with our families when our children were under attack. She states, “Additionally, it is important to advocate for policies that will create equal rights in housing, employment, etc by creating a protected class for the LGBTQ community.” She firmly believes that medical decisions should be made by individuals and “those that practice medicine, not politicians.” Senator Day’s reelection is one of Rainbow Parents’ top priorities. The campaign suggests that we follow and promote her social media, sign up on her website to donate or volunteer to canvass on a Sunday afternoon, or write postcards to help reelect this passionate, empathic, and hard working senator.

Mary Ann Folchert entered the District 31 race in the Spring of 2023, after joining with many of us to fight against LB 574, which was introduced by her opponent, Senator Kathleen Kauth. In fact, Mary Ann was one of the first challengers to announce her candidacy, as she felt strongly about stopping the culture war attacks and focusing on the real problems facing our state. If elected to the unicameral, she states, “I will advocate for and support the LGBTQ+ community by fighting policies that seek to take away individual rights and promote instead policies that expand and protect individual rights. I will also advocate by attending events, connecting with folks, listening to their stories, and using my voice to support the LGBTQ+ community.” Further, she argues that, “Under no circumstances is a politician more qualified than a patient and their doctors to make healthcare decisions. Medical decisions belong between patients and their doctors.” Mary Ann is a mom and a former teacher, as well as the caregiver for her adult brother with an intellectual disability. Her combination of pragmatism, empathy, and tenacity make her an inspiring candidate. Because of how amazing she is, and also because her opponent has represented the biggest threat to our kids in the unicameral, supporting Mary Ann is one of Rainbow Parents’ top priorities this election. She invites Rainbow Parents and allies to visit her website to sign up to volunteer or donate, and to get details for upcoming events and canvassing opportunities. Upcoming opportunities include sign waving in front of all Millard High School football games and a canvassing event on September 29th.

Margo Juarez is running for the open District 5 seat. Born and raised in South Omaha, she currently represents her neighborhood on the OPS school board. She says that if she is given the opportunity to serve she will “consider/advocate for their [LGBTQ+] needs in legislative action.” Margo also believes strongly that medical decisions “should remain between the doctor and patient.” This seat has been previously held by Mike McDonnell, so it would be particularly encouraging for this district to finally have a senator who would stand with the queer community. She invites Rainbow Parents to visit her website to sign up to volunteer to phone bank, canvas, write postcards, or donate.

Senator John Cavanaugh is running for reelection in District 9, and has been a solid friend and ally to the Rainbow Parents and their families in the midst of the attacks on transgender children in the past two legislative sessions. With a strong grasp of the law and the ability to clearly explain what he knows, Senator Cavanaugh serves as a dependable voice of reason in the unicameral. Regarding his plans for supporting the LGBTQ+ community, he says, “I plan to do the same as I have been doing for the last 4 years. I proposed and passed the bill allowing for no cost name change. I have been a leader in fighting against bills that attack LGBTQ members of our community. I have spent time outside of session visiting with PFLAG groups across Nebraska. I hope to continue to take positive steps and will continue to stand up with LGBTQ Nebraskans.” He feels strongly that he does not want, “politicians making decisions about what medical care I, my family, or anyone can or should receive.” He says Rainbow Parents can help by “Knocking doors, writing postcards, hosting coffees, and donating to campaigns. Also just talking to your friends and neighbors.” Sign up for a canvassing opportunity with Senator Cavanaugh and Liz Renner for the State Board of Education on Monday, September 23rd from 5:30-7 or attend his fall campaign kickoff on Tuesday, September 24th from 5-7.

Senator Terrell McKinney is running for reelection in District 11, which has always been his home. While also being a proud dad and a busy law student, he remains an active member of his community. Having first been elected in 2020, Senator McKinney was a consistent ally to the LGBTQ+ community during the last two tumultuous sessions in the unicameral. In his statement of support for the community, he states, “I am committed to being an ally for the LGBTQ community in the legislature. I will support and advocate for their rights, while opposing any legislation that is harmful, discriminatory, or oppressive. As always, I will prioritize listening to the voices of the LGBTQ community and following their lead.” He believes strongly that medical decisions should solely be between patients and doctors. People who would like to volunteer for Senator McKinney should check his Mobilize page for upcoming events and opportunities to support his campaign.

Ashlei Spivey is running for the unicameral from District 13, where she has been a lifelong resident. She writes, “As a member of the LGBTQIA Community, I plan to listen to my friends, neighbors and colleagues to ensure policy implemented at the State level does not cause harm or exclusion, as we have seen explicitly over the last few years. Unfortunately, some elected officials have chosen to intentionally target LGBTQIA communities and now is the time to send folks to Lincoln that want to better the lives of all Nebraskans,” and that “government does not belong in medical decisions like reproductive rights and gender affirming care.” Ashlei is a mom, the founder and executive director of I Be Black Girl, a nonprofit organization focusing on reproductive justice. She is also a small business owner, a community activist, and a longtime ally and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She would love it if Rainbow Parents would visit her website and social media for upcoming opportunities to get involved.

Michelle Smith, of Hastings, is running for the unicameral from District 33. Born and raised in Hastings, Michelle is a mom, mental health provider, and business owner who wants to focus on the issues that matter most to Nebraskans. She plans to “support the LGBTQ community by advocating for mental health services. Individuals, including teenagers, who are part of the LGBTQ community display increased risk for suicide, depression, and anxiety. Despite their increased risk, they are less likely to receive the mental health care they need. I will also support training for medical professionals, mental health professionals, educators, etc. to decrease stigma and increase understanding and support for LGBTQ individuals.” Michelle’s campaign is currently holding weekly postcard writing parties on Monday nights, and she urges Rainbow Parents to sign up on her website to receive emails with details about upcoming events, including Monday afternoon postcard parties in Hastings.

Allison Heimes, from Elkhorn, is running for the open District 39 seat. She is an attorney, a military spouse, and a mother of three who is passionate about healthcare, and mental health in particular. If elected, she pledges to “restore and codify rights and treat everyone like a human being,” as well as, “Be a safe place for LGBTQ people and an ally in the legislature.” Allison particularly invites Rainbow Parent subscribers to visit her website and social media for the most up to date information on all her events and opportunities.

Sarah Centineo is the challenger in District 45. She currently serves on the Bellevue School Board and is trained both a nurse and an attorney. She says, “I plan to continue to oppose the bills that hurt the LGBTQ+ community and try to educate others on the importance of the support and acceptance of the community. I have previously testified against the bathroom and locker-room bills that have been brought forward. I am very proud to say the Bellevue Public School (where I am a board member) has a transgender policy that works very well.” Sarah feels strongly about the rights of individuals to determine their own health care, saying, “except for some mandatory childhood vaccines, the government should not be an additional party in medical decision making. As a pediatric nurse I know that there are times when parents make unwise decisions regarding their children's medical care, and we have systems to address that. Legislating healthcare is a bad idea, and the legislature should not pretend they are healthcare providers.” Visit her website to sign up to canvas or just attend a Thursday evening Sarpy County Democrats postcard writing party or attend this upcoming fundraiser focusing on education!

Larry Bolinger, of Alliance, is running for the District 47 seat in the unicameral. To our question about his plans for supporting the LGBTQ+ community, he responded,  “I believe in equal rights for all and I will push that everyone has equal protection under the law. I am well educated in Constitutional Law and will push for equal rights.” As for the government’s involvement in our personal medical decisions, he says, “the only thing the government should do is to ensure medical privacy.” Please visit Larry’s website and social media to find out about ways to volunteer.

Nick Batter is a nonpartisan candidate from District 13. About his support of the LGBTQ+ community, he says, “We are in a period where public officials are using their platforms to harass and bully the LGBTQ community. I think this is unacceptable, an abuse of power, and fundamentally unamerican. So, a main priority of mine will be standing up to those attacks -- or ideally prevent them from happening in the first place by insisting that these antagonists act like adults.” He also notes that he was partially raised by gay uncles, who he says were father figures to him, and he hopes that he is making them proud. Nick says, “Any members in my district should reach out directly, and I can let them know when I will be in their neighborhood so we can visit one-on-one, or at a community coffee event.”