Biography
Terrell McKinney, born on August 17, 1990, in Omaha, Nebraska, is a Democratic member of the Nebraska State Legislature representing the 11th district. He assumed office on January 6, 2021, succeeding Ernie Chambers, Nebraska's longest-serving senator. McKinney is the 14th Black member of the Nebraska Legislature and the ninth since it became a unicameral body in 1937.
Before his political career, McKinney worked as a community organizer focusing on food insecurity, Medicaid expansion, and other community initiatives. He also served as a career specialist at Metropolitan Community College and has been an assistant wrestling coach at Omaha North High School since 2018.
In the Legislature, McKinney has been an advocate for criminal justice reform, introducing bills to reform the Nebraska Parole Board and decriminalize marijuana. He has also worked on legislation to include financial literacy in school curricula and ban employment discrimination based on ethnic hairstyles. ,
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Sports Business Management from Maryville University, 2014
- Master of Business Administration from Midland University, 2018
- Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law, 2022
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Political Experience:
- Elected to the Nebraska State Legislature representing District 11 in 2020
- Re-elected in 2024
- Serves on the Education, Enrollment and Review, Judiciary, Committee on Justice Reinvestment Oversight, State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision, and State-Tribal Relations committees
McKinney continues to focus on policies aimed at reducing poverty, improving education, and enhancing the quality of life for residents in North Omaha.
