Biography

Machaela M. Cavanaugh, born on January 17, 1979, in Washington, D.C., is an American politician serving as a Democratic member of the Nebraska Legislature, representing the 6th district since January 9, 2019. She is the daughter of former Nebraska state legislator and U.S. Representative John Joseph Cavanaugh III. Cavanaugh resides in Omaha with her husband, Nick Brotzel, and their three children: Della, Harriet, and Barrett.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology: University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, 2001
• Master of Public Administration: University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2008

Political Experience

• Nebraska State Senator: Elected in 2018, representing the 6th district since January 9, 2019
• Advocate for Paid Family Leave: Introduced Legislative Bill 311 to provide up to six weeks of paid leave to care for a relative and up to twelve weeks of paid personal medical leave and paid maternity/paternity leave.
• Champion for Transgender Rights: Conducted a historic 60-day filibuster to oppose legislation targeting transgender youth, marking the longest filibuster in U.S. history.
• Child Welfare Oversight: Established a Special Investigative Oversight Committee in 2021 to investigate a fraudulent contract with a private child welfare organization, leading to the contract's termination and the deprivatization of child welfare in Nebraska.
• Support for Children with Disabilities: Passed legislation in 2022 ensuring that all children on the Developmental Disability services waitlist received access to Medicaid and an annual stipend for services.

Cavanaugh's legislative efforts reflect her commitment to social justice, equality, and the well-being of Nebraska's children and families.