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Our country is at a breaking point. Trump is causing prices to soar, and Nebraska families are being left out. James Leuschen is running for Congress because he knows the stakes are too high to sit by. Born and raised in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, James is now balancing raising his young kids and caring for an aging parent. With 20 years of experience working in Congress, he has led on some of the most impactful policies for Nebraskans. James will use his expertise to deliver for Nebraska, lower costs, and hold Donald Trump accountable.

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JAMES LEUSCHEN FOR CONGRESS

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James Leuschen is running for Congress to take on Donald Trump and stop him from driving up costs and threatening the future of Nebraska families.

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/6a13552a-2ba7-4dbe-b99f-be90c169c376/7fdc2591-a067-4e5e-af21-45ae5c339487/7fdc2591-a067-4e5e-af21-45ae5c339487.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C7385%2C5062&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">An Omaha kid through and through, James grew up in Dundee, earned his Eagle Scout at Dundee Presbyterian Church, and attended Central High School, where he played Center on the football team. He continued his love for the sport by coaching the Central Eagles all four years he attended Creighton University. James and his wife Janelle, a family medicine physician, live in midtown Omaha where they are raising their three young boys and are members of the same parish James was raised in, St. Margaret Mary. As a family, their weekends are filled with sports practices, watching the Huskers and Jays, visits to Lauritzen Gardens where James and Janelle were married, and swapping out books at the library.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/6a13552a-2ba7-4dbe-b99f-be90c169c376/076b6607-6c97-40da-9de1-6c200ebac5e2/076b6607-6c97-40da-9de1-6c200ebac5e2.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C8176%2C5823&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">When James was a senior at Central, his appreciation and perspective of his community was transformed forever when his father Jim — a pillar of the community — was tragically killed in a car accident. The loss shook his family to its core. His mom, Pat – a longtime professor and assistant dean at UNMC – held the family together with remarkable strength. What got them through was the support of their neighbors, their church, and the protections of Social Security survivor benefits and his father’s pension. Those benefits made it possible for James to afford college and graduate school at the University of Chicago. His father’s local leadership, his mom’s resilience, and the community support his family received following his passing inspired James to a career in public service.For the past 20 years, James served in senior staff leadership roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, including as Policy Director to former Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. An economic policy expert, James worked on some of the most important issues facing families — from the passage and expansion of the Affordable Care Act to expanding the Child Tax Credit to put more money in the pockets of working families.&nbsp;<img src="https://run.imgix.net/6a13552a-2ba7-4dbe-b99f-be90c169c376/f2f37151-124a-46a0-81f3-a5a0446beab7/f2f37151-124a-46a0-81f3-a5a0446beab7.heic?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3088%2C2316&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" variant="framed">James worked with Congressman Brad Ashford to deliver a new VA medical facility in Omaha that now serves tens of thousands of Nebraska veterans. In a time when Washington struggles to get anything done, James has a proven record of delivering results.&nbsp;James uniquely and personally understands what’s at stake in this election. When Donald Trump attacked our democracy on January 6, 2021, James was barricaded with his colleagues inside the U.S. Capitol — a day that underscored for him exactly what’s at stake with Donald Trump in the White House.In Congress, James will fight harder than anyone to deliver for Omaha families — turning every stone to cut middle-class taxes, lower costs, protect Social Security and Medicare, and hold Donald Trump accountable for the economic pain and chaos he has caused. As a dad to three kids and the son of an aging parent, he knows exactly how the rising costs of groceries, housing, child and elder care are impacting families across Nebraska, and he has the policy experience to go to Washington and take on Trump on day one.

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James Leuschen is running for Congress to take on Donald Trump and stop him from driving up costs and threatening the future of Nebraska families.

MEET JAMES

James is running for Congress to hold Donald Trump accountable and lower costs for Nebraska families.

James Leuschen for Congress

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James Leuschen is running for Congress to take on
Donald Trump and stop him from driving up costs and
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Meet James Leuschen

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James Leuschen issued the following statement on the retirement of Leader Steny Hoyer:“I want to congratulate my friend, mentor and former boss, Congressman Steny Hoyer, on an extraordinary career of public service as he announces his retirement. When he leaves Congress, he will do so having made our country fairer, stronger, and more just, and having changed countless lives along the way. His leadership helped expand economic opportunity for more Americans, make healthcare more affordable for millions of people through the Affordable Care Act, protect the rights of people with disabilities, strengthen our democracy through voting rights reforms, and end discriminatory policies like Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. “I had the privilege of working for Leader Hoyer for fifteen years, and that experience shaped how I understand public service. He believed deeply that the government exists to serve people and expand opportunity so that more working families can make it in America. He taught me that progress comes from listening, treating people with respect, and doing the hard work of finding common ground, even when it is not easy. “I saw firsthand, when moments were toughest and the path forward was unclear, Steny Hoyer was the leader others turned to. He had a rare ability to pair a deep command of policy and legislative process with an unwavering moral compass. Time and again, he helped move legislation forward that people thought was impossible, not through theatrics, but through persistence, patience, and trust. “What I will always remember most, though, is his decency. He led with humility, treated colleagues and staff with dignity, and modeled the kind of civility that feels too rare in politics today. In an era of division, he showed what principled, effective leadership looks like. “Our country, our Congress, and the Democratic Party are better because of Steny Hoyer’s service. I am so profoundly grateful for his mentorship, his confidence in me, and the example he set. I will carry those lessons with me for the rest of my life.”

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Statement on the Retirement of Leader Steny Hoyer

Everyone deserves a fair shot at homeownership, but right now too many Nebraskans are priced out. Trump has pushed housing affordability the wrong direction on nearly every front – the cost of renting, buying, and building housing is all going up under this Administration. I have the experience to push back.There’s no single fix, but I’ll work to make housing more affordable by:<ul><li>Encouraging new home construction and density, especially near transit</li><li>Getting families into homes before investment funds</li><li>Rolling back tariffs that drive up building costs</li></ul>Housing should be about helping families, not enriching hedge funds. With smart policy and Nebraska common sense, we can make homeownership a reality again.

Everyone deserves a fair shot at homeownership, but right now too many Nebraskans are priced out. Trump has pushed housing affordability the wrong direction on nearly every front – the cost of renting, buying, and building housing is all going up under this Administration. I have the experience to push back.There’s no single fix, but I’ll work to make housing more affordable by:- Encouraging new home construction and density, especially near transit- Getting families into homes before investment funds- Rolling back tariffs that drive up building costsHousing should be about helping families, not enriching hedge funds. With smart policy and Nebraska common sense, we can make homeownership a reality again.

Housing Affordability

Middle-class families need certainty, not chaos, to thrive. That means stable, responsible economic policies that help small businesses grow and keep costs down. I know what Nebraska families are facing because I’m living it too: the price of groceries, housing, child care, utilities, and health care keeps climbing.As an economic policy expert, I helped write the Affordable Care Act’s tax credits and the Inflation Reduction Act, both of which cut costs for families and created jobs. As your Congressman, I’ll work to extend ACA tax credits to help lower health care costs, expand the Child Tax Credit, and invest in apprenticeships and infrastructure that grow our workforce.Donald Trump’s rollercoaster tax and tariffs are driving prices higher and exploding deficits. They’re also decimating our farm economy by eliminating markets for Nebraska ag products, while undermining small businesses’ ability to hire and invest. I’ll fight to restore certainty, reward hard work, and make sure Nebraska families can build a good life.

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Lowering Costs & Growing the Middle Class

During my 20 years on Capitol Hill, I brought my Nebraska values with me. From budget agreements to infrastructure investments, I built relationships across the aisle and helped pass bipartisan legislation that moved the country forward. We simply cannot solve our biggest challenges – from lowering costs to closing the gap on public trust – with members of Congress who are only interested in building their personal brand and competing for more “clicks.” I am committed to bringing a focus on legislating and a sense of common purpose back to Congress – with a relentless commitment to deliver for Nebraska. That’s exactly what I did when I worked with former Congressman Brad Ashford to deliver the new veterans outpatient facility to Omaha, that’s what I’ll do when I get to Washington.

During my 20 years on Capitol Hill, I brought my Nebraska values with me. From budget agreements to infrastructure investments, I built relationships across the aisle and helped pass bipartisan legislation that moved the country forward. We simply cannot solve our biggest challenges – from lowering costs to closing the gap on public trust – with members of Congress who are only interested in building their personal brand and competing for more “clicks.” I am committed to bringing a focus on legislating and a sense of common purpose back to Congress – with a relentless commitment to deliver for Nebraska. That’s exactly what I did when I worked with former Congressman Brad Ashford to deliver the new veterans outpatient facility to Omaha, that’s what I’ll do when I get to Washington.

Bipartisanship & Getting Things Done

<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/government-politics/article_18d766a6-61b5-4dd6-9e85-9bfb4574aeb6.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">By: Josh Reyes</a>James Leuschen returned to Omaha this year after working about 20 years in Congress with a focus on economic policy. He’s hoping to give back to his community and stand up to President Donald Trump’s administration by being elected the representative for the 2nd Congressional District.“I’m running because Donald Trump’s policies are hurting Nebraska families and Nebraska communities, driving up costs and making it harder for folks to succeed,” Leuschen, 45, said in an interview Wednesday.Leuschen grew up in Omaha and graduated from Central High School and Creighton University. He said Omaha has always been home, and he and his wife decided earlier this year that the time was right to return with their three kids.After earning his degrees, Leuschen went on to work on Capitol Hill, holding jobs like policy director for former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland.Leuschen also worked with former Nebraska 2nd District Rep. Brad Ashford to deliver the Veteran Affairs medical facility in Omaha.Ashford served in Congress until Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican, won the seat in 2016. Bacon is in his fifth term and is not seeking reelection.From the field of six Democrats vying to replace Bacon, Leuschen said, “I absolutely think that I have the best experience to position myself to flip the seat from red to blue.”He recalled being in the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump supporters overtook the building in attempt to block certification of Joe Biden’s presidential victory.“I know what the president is capable of, and I’m seeing it play out all over again,” Leuschen said.He added that Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill benefits the wealthy and doesn’t reach the people who need it most. The bill will reduce the number of people on Medicaid, Leuschen said, putting rural hospitals at risk and potentially raising <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/planet-money/2025/08/12/g-s1-82221/medicaid-cuts-big-beautiful-bill-uninsured">costs for all patients</a>.Along with immediate issues like combating tariffs that are expected to raise prices on consumer goods, Leuschen said residents of the district want a leader with a focus on long-term economic growth in Nebraska and the wider region.He mentioned protecting funding for research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Offutt Air Force Base.He also said he helped with legislation like the Chips and Sciences Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that put money into clean energy and incentivized private investments.Nebraska did not draw major projects or benefit enough from those opportunities, Leuschen said: “We need a federal delegation that believes in those projects, that thinks that they should have happened and that isn’t going to repeal them. I am hyper-focused on that.”Leuschen is one of six people seeking the Democratic nomination in the 2nd Congressional District.The other candidates are former attorney Evangelos Argyrakis, veteran and former federal official Kishla Askins, State Sen. John Cavanaugh, political action committee founder Denise Powell and Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades.Two Republicans, Omaha City Council member Brinker Harding and former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom, have announced campaigns.

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Omaha World Herald: Economic policy expert running for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District

OMAHA, NE – Ahead of President Trump’s State of the Union address, NE-02 Congressional Candidate and economic policy expert James Leuschen released the following statement on Trump’s economic agenda:&nbsp;"As the president prepares to address the nation tonight, too many Nebraska families are shouldering the burden of his policies. They are paying the price of his illegal tariff taxes and a budget law that increases the cost of health care, groceries, and utilities to give his billionaire buddies a massive tax giveaway.&nbsp;“Trump's two signature economic achievements — taxes and tariffs — take us in exactly the wrong direction. Prices have gone up, job growth has gone down, and economic growth is slowing.&nbsp;"I worked for two decades as an economic policy expert in senior staff roles on Capitol Hill, helping to pass everything from the Affordable Care Act to the Child Tax Credit. I’ve been in the room for ten State of the Union addresses. No matter how he tries to spin it tonight, the facts show: Trump's economic policies are a failure.&nbsp;"It’s time to put a check on Trump and hold him accountable for higher costs and relentless chaos. I know how to lower costs, promote economic growth, and bring opportunity to Nebraska. When I get to Congress, I’ll do just that —&nbsp; making it easier for Nebraska families to build a good life and restoring much-needed certainty to our economic policy for businesses and workers alike.”

Statement from James Leuschen Ahead of President Trump’s State of the Union

James penned <a href="https://omaha.com/opinion/column/article_01b6d9d6-160e-40d8-b886-487613c25db9.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this op-ed</a> in the Omaha World-Herald reflecting on the legacy of his father Jim Leuschen, who was integral to the Omaha community, and how his passing 28 years ago inspired James to pursue a career in public service. Key excerpts:&nbsp; “February 10th is a rough anniversary for my family.&nbsp; When I was 18 years old, a senior at Central, my dad passed away in a car accident.&nbsp; It was the worst day of my life, but it changed my outlook and helped make me the man I am today… Growing up, it seemed like my dad Jim Leuschen was involved in everything around town.&nbsp; A public relations executive, he was on community boards, received awards from governors, was president of the Arbor Day Foundation, the Press Club, the Nebraska Public Relations Society, and involved in River City Roundup during its heyday.&nbsp; He was even riding home from a nonprofit board obligation the night he died.” “As a kid, I didn’t fully grasp what his dedication to this community really meant.&nbsp; But as this community rallied around us as we grieved his loss, I heard stories from all over about how important his leadership was to the people around him, to this community, and to the state of Nebraska.&nbsp; It was clear that my dad made a difference during his life.&nbsp; His example is what pushed me into a life of public service.” “Twenty years ago, I took Nebraska values with me to Washington, working in senior staff roles on Capitol Hill as an economic policy expert.&nbsp; That means I was in the room for every major legislative effort since we elected President Obama - from the Affordable Care Act, to the Child Tax Credit, to helping former Congressman Brad Ashford get the V.A. outpatient clinic built here.” “That’s how Congress members are supposed to work - making their communities better and delivering for the people who sent them there.&nbsp; But I witnessed how Congress has devolved from a place where people worked on solutions to a place where influencer Congress members are more interested in social media likes, cable news hits, and building their brands.” “I’m running for Congress because Donald Trump is making it harder for Nebraska families to build a good life.&nbsp; I’ll reverse Trump’s tariffs and health care cuts that are driving up costs.&nbsp; I’ll hold him accountable for the chaos he’s sowing throughout the economy, so that economic decisions like buying a home or starting a business make sense again.” “Omaha has benefited from visionary leadership, but the economic strength we inherited isn’t guaranteed.&nbsp; While we are struggling to retain and recruit talent, which the Omaha Chamber cites as our primary economic challenge, coming home to raise our kids here was the best choice my wife and I ever made.&nbsp; Our legacy will be how we meet this moment.&nbsp; I watched our current delegation fail to pull its weight as Omaha lost business investment to peer cities in industries like advanced manufacturing and energy infrastructure.&nbsp; I am the only candidate in this race with the experience to get to Washington and go after these investments on day one.” “I’ll also bring the Nebraska values my dad instilled in me to build consensus and fight like hell so my kids – and yours – know we did everything we could to make this community better for them.”

My dad died in a car accident 28 years ago today. It helped shape me into the man I've become.

NE-02 Congressional candidate and economic expert James Leuschen penned this <a href="https://omaha.com/opinion/column/article_611e02d2-800f-45ad-b77e-0cca924d1cbe.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">op-ed</a> in the Omaha World-Herald on the five year anniversary of January 6, 2021 insurrection. Leuschen reflects on what happened that day as he was barricaded with colleagues in the U.S. Capitol and what’s at stake as President Trump continues to sow chaos in his second term as president.&nbsp;Key excerpts:&nbsp;“This Tuesday marks five years since the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, when a violent mob stormed the building and attempted to stop Congress from certifying the electoral votes of the 2020 election. I was there, working as policy director for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.”“It is crystal clear to me that Donald Trump is willing to do anything for power – even if that means resorting to violence and chaos. All of this matters today because Trump’s style of power politics always comes with a bill. When leaders aren’t held accountable, the well-connected get richer and everyone else pays the price.”“That’s why I’m running for Congress. As someone who experienced January 6 in the Capitol building, I know exactly what is at stake in this election. And as someone who has worked in senior economic policy positions my entire career, I know exactly what it takes to hold this President accountable for his economic chaos, restore certainty, and lower costs.”“I’m the last person Donald Trump wants in Washington. I understand exactly what he is doing and how – from driving up costs for everyday Nebraskans to subverting government programs to reward his friends and target his perceived enemies. I know inside and out the leverage points in the political and budget processes we can use to stop him.”“When I get to Washington, I’m going to focus on taking back Congress’s constitutional authority over tariff policies that are driving up costs. I’m going to lower health care costs by extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, restoring Medicaid funding, and keeping our rural hospitals open. I’m going to help get more money in the pockets of working families by restoring the Child Tax Credit and building our child care workforce so more young parents can work and save. I’ll work to pass legislation encouraging housing supply so it's cheaper to buy or rent here in Omaha.”“Most importantly, I’m going to deliver for Nebraska’s Second Congressional District. Our region has missed out on too much economic opportunity in recent years. We deserve federal representation that fights for us and lays the foundation for economic prosperity for our kids. That means finally leveraging every single federal incentive to compete for new investment and job creation in advanced manufacturing and energy infrastructure that will secure the economic miracle we inherited for the next generation - for my three kids and yours. I understand how to use these programs because I helped write them into law while working in Congress.”“I know what Donald Trump is capable of – from the violence of January 6 to the past year of economic chaos – and it’s time to stop him once and for all. The stakes have never been higher, and I’m ready to do what it takes to meet the moment and ensure Nebraska has the representation it deserves.”

Leuschen Writes Op-ed for Omaha World-Herald: I was in the Capitol on January 6, 2021. I know what Trump is capable of — and how to stop him

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Middle-class families need certainty, not chaos, to thrive. That means stable, responsible economic policies that help small businesses grow and keep costs down. I know what Nebraska families are facing because I’m living it too: the price of groceries, housing, child care, utilities, and health care keeps climbing.As an economic policy expert, I helped write the Affordable Care Act’s tax credits and the Inflation Reduction Act, both of which cut costs for families and created jobs. As your Congressman, I’ll work to extend ACA tax credits to help lower health care costs, expand the Child Tax Credit, and invest in apprenticeships and infrastructure that grow our workforce.Donald Trump’s rollercoaster tax and tariffs are driving prices higher and exploding deficits. They’re also decimating our farm economy by eliminating markets for Nebraska ag products, while undermining small businesses’ ability to hire and invest. I’ll fight to restore certainty, reward hard work, and make sure Nebraska families can build a good life.

Leuschen pledges to hold Trump accountable &amp; cut costs for Nebraska familiesOMAHA, NE – Today, Democrat James Leuschen, an economic policy expert and Omaha native, announced his campaign for Congress in Nebraska’s Second Congressional District. James is launching a campaign to hold Donald Trump accountable and fight to lower the rising costs that are squeezing Nebraska families. “I’m running for Congress because I know firsthand what Nebraska families are up against,” said Leuschen, “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.”&nbsp; “I grew up here in Omaha, and this community carried my family through our toughest days,” continued Leuschen. “Now, I’m stepping up to fight for our families, to lower costs, protect Social Security and Medicare, and make sure our kids have the same opportunities I had. I’m ready to take on Trump and have the experience to address the challenges facing Nebraska families.” “I’m the only candidate in this race with the experience to hold Trump accountable and lower costs for working families — because I’ve done it before,” concluded Leuschen. “From expanding the Child Tax Credit to put more money in the pockets of families to delivering new resources for Nebraska veterans, I know how to get things done, even in a broken Washington. And when it comes to holding Donald Trump accountable for the chaos and economic pain he’s caused, I won’t back down because there’s too much at stake for my community.” James is an economic policy expert who focuses on cost-of-living issues. He served for two decades in senior leadership roles on Capitol Hill, including as Policy Director to former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. He worked with Congressman Brad Ashford to deliver a new VA medical facility in Omaha that now serves tens of thousands of veterans each year. John Ashford will serve as the campaign treasurer.&nbsp; “After four decades representing union members, I know what it means to fight for working families — and so does James Leuschen. James is an Omaha kid who never forgot where he came from, and he spent his career making life better for people like us. He’s delivered real results, from expanding the Child Tax Credit to helping build a new VA medical facility for our veterans,” said Terry Moore, President Emeritus, Omaha Labor Federation. “James learned a lot from his father Jim, who meant so much to this community, and James is the only candidate with the experience and backbone to take on Donald Trump and lower costs for working people. We need someone in Congress who will always put Nebraska families first and deliver for them, and that’s why I’m proud to stand with James.” “The VA medical facility in Omaha wouldn’t exist without James Leuschen. 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,” said John Ashford, Campaign Treasurer, attorney, and son of former Congressman Brad Ashford. “James got the job done and delivered for our community in a broken Washington. That’s the kind of determination Nebraska families can count on.” ABOUT JAMES LEUSCHEN An Omaha kid through and through, James grew up in Dundee, earned his Eagle Scout at Dundee Presbyterian Church, and attended Central High School, where he played Center on the football team. James was raised by two proud Nebraskans — his father, Jim, who was a leader in the Omaha community, and his mother, Pat, who served as a professor and assistant dean at UNMC. He continued his love for football and sports by coaching the Central Eagles all four years he attended Creighton University. James and his wife Janelle, a family medicine physician, live in midtown Omaha where they are raising their three young boys and are members of St. Margaret Mary Parish.&nbsp;&nbsp; For the past 20 years, James served in senior staff leadership roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, including as Policy Director to former Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. An economic policy expert, James worked on some of the most important issues facing families — from the passage and expansion of the Affordable Care Act to expanding the Child Tax Credit to put more money in the pockets of working families and cut child poverty in half.&nbsp; James worked with Congressman Brad Ashford to deliver a new VA medical facility in Omaha that now serves tens of thousands of Nebraska veterans. In a time when Washington struggles to get anything done, James has a proven record of delivering results.

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DEMOCRAT JAMES LEUSCHEN ANNOUNCES 2026 CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS IN NEBRASKA’S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

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Every Nebraskan deserves affordable, quality care wherever they live, but today health care costs are out of control. Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are making it worse by slashing Medicaid and refusing to extend much needed tax credits to help keep health care costs down. These actions will devastate Nebraska families and force many of our rural hospitals to close. My wife, Janelle, is a primary care doctor, so I hear what these policies mean for her patients every day at home. Patients are already forgoing needed care and the higher costs from Trump’s health care cuts will only make it worse. Right now, millions of American families can only afford health insurance because of Affordable Care Act tax credits that lower their monthly premiums. I know because I helped write the ACA, including those tax credits to lower health care costs for tens of millions of Americans. Over the course of my career as an economic policy expert, I’ve been laser focused on how to bring down costs for Nebraska families. I fought to enhance and expand the ACA tax credits so that millions more Americans could afford insurance, including 34,000 people right here in Nebraska’s second congressional district. But because of President Trump’s budget law, those tax credits are set to expire this year. And if Congress doesn’t stand up to him, health care premiums will skyrocket overnight.The economics are simple: we need to spread risk as widely as possible, and that means bringing more people under the umbrella of insurance – be it employer based, ACA marketplace, Medicaid, or Medicare – and stop the reckless effort by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress to push us back toward a system of uncompensated care that will end up costing us all more in the end.In Congress, I’ll fight to:- Reverse Trump’s Medicaid cuts so that working families just trying to get by have access to the care they need- Extend the expanded Affordable Care Act tax credits I helped write to keep costs down for Nebraska families - Fight to protect rural hospitals and urban community health centers so that health care is not only affordable, but accessible, for every Nebraskan- Keep Medicare on solid financial footing for our generation and the next - Fight for a woman’s right to choose here in Nebraska and across the country

Fighting for Quality, Affordable Health Care

For generations, America has led the world by championing democracy, free markets, and our allies. But Trump’s trade wars and bullying diplomacy are weakening that leadership.I’ll work to:<ul><li>Support Ukraine and our NATO allies against Russian aggression</li><li>Stand with Israel while working toward a lasting two-state solution</li><li>Take China’s rise seriously, economically and militarily, without reckless confrontation</li></ul>The world is safer when America leads with our strength, values, and purpose – not bullying.

For generations, America has led the world by championing democracy, free markets, and our allies. But Trump’s trade wars and bullying diplomacy are weakening that leadership.I’ll work to:- Support Ukraine and our NATO allies against Russian aggression- Stand with Israel while working toward a lasting two-state solution- Take China’s rise seriously, economically and militarily, without reckless confrontationThe world is safer when America leads with our strength, values, and purpose – not bullying.

Restore Our Place in the World

As Nebraskans continue to face rising grocery, utility, and housing costs, they also are faced with two hits to their wallets following November 1. Despite a recent court ruling and funds available to pay for food assistance, the Trump Administration is playing political games and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/03/politics/november-snap-benefits-government-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">only releasing half the usual food assistance</a> families are expecting. In addition, as Open Enrollment begins for families enrolling in plans through the Affordable Care Act exchanges, the President is allowing tax credits to make plans more affordable expire.&nbsp;Read the op-ed <a href="https://omaha.com/opinion/column/article_06a400d0-3723-4a57-9780-7bdce348dc99.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HERE</a> and see excerpts below. Key excerpts:&nbsp;“It’s hard to keep up with every new tariff or tax that seems to hit the news — and our wallets — every other day. It’s no wonder everywhere I go in Nebraska, I hear the same thing: The cost of living is too high. Now, because of Congress’ dysfunction, things are getting worse. And after two decades of experience in economic policy, working to lower costs for Nebraska families, I am the only candidate running to represent NE-02 in Congress who has the experience to hold President Trump accountable and finally bring down costs.”“Two more big hits are coming. First, critical food assistance is set to lapse because the government has been shut down for a month, forcing millions of American families and seniors to face the unthinkable choice between buying groceries or paying rent or utilities… As if that wasn’t enough, Trump is also pushing to skyrocket health care premiums here in Nebraska.”“Over the course of my career as an economic policy expert, I’ve been laser-focused on how to bring down costs for Nebraska families. I fought to enhance and expand the ACA tax credits so that millions more Americans could afford insurance. But because of President Trump’s budget law, those tax credits are set to expire this year.”“Donald Trump promised to bring down costs. He lied. These are his policies: erratic tariffs that drive up prices on everyday household goods, cuts to Medicaid that increase costs for working families trying to get by, and now a shutdown designed to raise health care costs from millions more while yanking food assistance away from kids and seniors right before the holidays. That is the basic economics of Trump’s plan for America, and he’s making it too hard for Nebraska families to build a good life.”

James Leuschen Pens Op-ed on How NE Families are Paying the Price for Trump’s Policies

Climate change is real, urgent, and solvable – if we act with common sense and speed.The Inflation Reduction Act made historic investments in clean energy that are creating jobs and reducing emissions. But Trump and his Republican allies rolled much of it back, hurting both our economy and our planet while raising your costs.I’ll fight to restore those investments, support market-based solutions that cut carbon, and make it easier to build clean energy and infrastructure projects while protecting our local communities. This isn’t just about the environment; it’s about creating good-paying jobs and lowering the cost of electricity right here in Nebraska.

Get Us Back on Track for a Clean Energy Future

Climate change is real, urgent, and solvable – if we act with common sense and speed.The Inflation Reduction Act made historic investments in clean energy that are creating jobs and reducing emissions. But Trump and his Republican allies rolled much of it back, hurting both our economy and our planet while raising your costs.I’ll fight to restore those investments, support market-based solutions that cut carbon, and make it easier to build clean energy and infrastructure projects while protecting our local communities. This isn’t just about the environment; it’s about creating good-paying jobs and lowering the cost of electricity right here in Nebraska.

Get us Back on Track for a Clean Energy Future

Today, Democrat James Leuschen, an economic policy expert and Omaha native, announced that he raised $220,000 in the first 13 days of his NE-02 campaign, from September 18 to 30. The early support underscores growing enthusiasm for Leuschen’s message of holding President Trump accountable and lowering costs for Nebraska families.“I’m humbled by the outpouring of support our campaign has received," said James Leuschen. “President Trump doesn’t know the first thing about what life’s like in Nebraska – he’s selling out our farmers with his tariffs and working families with his cuts to health care. I’m running for Congress to hold Trump accountable, lower costs for the middle class, and relentlessly focus on delivering for my community.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“Raising $220,000 in less than two weeks shows that James has the message and momentum to win,” said John Ashford, campaign treasurer, Omaha attorney, and son of former Congressman Brad Ashford. “There’s strong energy behind this campaign, people are ready for a commonsense Democrat focused on accountability and affordability.”&nbsp;In the first two weeks of his campaign, Omaha Federation of Labor President Emeritus Terry Moore, and former Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced their support for Leuschen for Congress.&nbsp;

Economic Policy Expert James Leuschen Raises $220,000 in Campaign’s First 13 Days

Every Nebraskan deserves affordable, quality care wherever they live, but today health care costs are out of control. Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are making it worse by slashing Medicaid and refusing to extend much needed tax credits to help keep health care costs down. These actions will devastate Nebraska families and force many of our rural hospitals to close. My wife, Janelle, is a primary care doctor, so I hear what these policies mean for her patients every day at home. Patients are already forgoing needed care and the higher costs from Trump’s health care cuts will only make it worse. Right now, millions of American families can only afford health insurance because of Affordable Care Act tax credits that lower their monthly premiums. I know because I helped write the ACA, including those tax credits to lower health care costs for tens of millions of Americans. Over the course of my career as an economic policy expert, I’ve been laser focused on how to bring down costs for Nebraska families. I fought to enhance and expand the ACA tax credits so that millions more Americans could afford insurance, including 34,000 people right here in Nebraska’s second congressional district. But because of President Trump’s budget law, those tax credits are set to expire this year. And if Congress doesn’t stand up to him, health care premiums will skyrocket overnight.The economics are simple: we need to spread risk as widely as possible, and that means bringing more people under the umbrella of insurance – be it employer based, ACA marketplace, Medicaid, or Medicare – and stop the reckless effort by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress to push us back toward a system of uncompensated care that will end up costing us all more in the end.In Congress, I’ll fight to:<ul><li>Reverse Trump’s Medicaid cuts so that working families just trying to get by have access to the care they need</li><li>Extend the expanded Affordable Care Act tax credits I helped write to keep costs down for Nebraska families </li><li>Fight to protect rural hospitals and urban community health centers so that health care is not only affordable, but accessible, for every Nebraskan</li><li>Keep Medicare on solid financial footing for our generation and the next</li><li>Fight for a woman’s right to choose here in Nebraska and across the country </li></ul>