Biography

Megan Hunt is a sixth-generation Nebraskan, entrepreneur, and community activist who has represented Nebraska's 8th legislative district in the Nebraska State Legislature since January 9, 2019. Born on May 9, 1986, in Blair, Nebraska, she has lived and worked in Omaha's Dundee and Benson neighborhoods for over 17 years. Hunt made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the Nebraska Legislature and the first woman to represent the 8th district.

Before her political career, Hunt founded Hello Holiday, a boutique and e-commerce company supporting independent fashion designers, known for its "Girls Support Girls" messaging and collaborations with local nonprofits. She currently owns Five Nine Shop and Project, a paper goods store, gallery, and studio in Benson. Hunt is also the founder and Vice President of Safe Space Nebraska, a nonprofit dedicated to ending harassment and assault in nightlife establishments.

In May 2023, Hunt changed her party registration from Democrat to nonpartisan, expressing a desire to align more closely with her personal values and beliefs.

Education

• Dana College: Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Communication and German, 2008.

Political Experience

• Nebraska State Legislature: Elected in 2018 to represent the 8th legislative district.

• Legislative Achievements:

  • Introduced 45 bills and resolutions; co-sponsored 131 bills.
  • Fifty-six bills passed with bipartisan support and were signed into law.
  • Championed legislation on tenants' rights, grants for creative arts districts, nonconsensual pornography, and sex trafficking.
  • In 2020, passed a bill allowing collegiate student-athletes to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness rights.
  • In 2021, secured unemployment benefits for caregivers during the pandemic.

• Committee Assignments:

  • Business and Labor Committee
  • Committee on Committees
  • Government, Military and Veteran Affairs Committee
  • Urban Affairs Committee
  • State-Tribal Relations Committee

• Advocacy:

  • Introduced legislation to ban conversion therapy statewide.
  • Opposed restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming care for minors.

Community Involvement and Recognition

• Community Roles:

  • Founder and Vice President of Safe Space Nebraska.
  • Trustee of the Business Ethics Alliance.
  • Board member of Charles Drew Health Center, Friends of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, Friends of the Nebraska AIDS Project, and Omaha Area Youth Orchestras.

• Awards and Fellowships:

  • David Bohnett Leaders Fellowship.
  • Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Leadership Award.
  • Council on State Government’s 20 Under 40 Award.
  • Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development Fellowship.
  • Henry Toll Fellowship.

Megan Hunt's dedication to public service, advocacy for marginalized communities, and commitment to progressive policies have made her a prominent figure in Nebraska politics.