OMAHA- Three people, including two Democrats and one Republican, are set to vie for the south Omaha legislative seat that has been held for eight years now by the term-limited Sen. Mike McDonnell. Margo Juarez and Flint Harkness, both Democrats, and Gilbert Ayala will all be on the ballot during the May 14 Primary Election.

The district encompasses a large portion of south Omaha, and roughly 37% of the voting-age population is Hispanic. All three candidates have previously run for public office, but only Margo Juarez, who serves on the Omaha Public Schools Board, has been elected. Ayala, a 54-year-old Republican, unsuccessfully challenged McDonnell in 2016 and 2020, receiving 30% and 37% of the vote respectively each year.

Of the candidates in the race, Ayala has taken the most conservative positions. He describes himself as "100% pro-life" and pro-law enforcement, supports the Second Amendment, and backs Donald Trump in 2024 presidential election. Juarez was endorsed by Planned Parenthood, the Sierra Club, and Women Who Run Omaha. Harkness, a special education teacher, said his priority is improving funding for public schools.

For the full article click HERE