LINCOLN — An Omaha native with a private mental health practice, and a former prosecutor and defense attorney have announced plans to seek a legislative seat representing west-central Omaha. John Fredrickson and Stu Dornan will run in District 20, which now stretches from 72nd Street to roughly 155th Street and from Pacific Street to E Street. The district is now represented by State Sen. John McCollister, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection.

Fredrickson said he wants to bring a new generation of leadership to the Legislature and to ensure equitable opportunities for all Nebraskans. He lists strong public education, access to health care, and fostering a welcome and inclusive economy as top issues.

A graduate of Skutt Catholic High School, he spent the past decade in New York City. There, he earned a master's degree in social work, provided treatment to a wide variety of groups, and taught as an adjunct professor of social work at Columbia University. He moved back to Nebraska in 2020. He is registered as a Democrat. The Nebraska Legislature is nonpartisan, meaning that candidates run and senators serve without regard to party affiliation.

Dornan was appointed as Douglas County Attorney in 2003 but was defeated in 2006 by the current officeholder, Don Kleine. He also spent three years on the Westside Community School Board and is currently an elected member of Educational Service Unit #3. Over the years, he has represented a number of high-profile defendants. Last year, he was one of the attorneys representing Jake Gardner, an Omaha bar owner who was indicted for manslaughter in connection with shooting James Scurlock during the summer's racial justice protests. Gardner killed himself before he could be taken into custody.

A Republican with long ties to the district, Dornan has lined up support from Kleine and from Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. He lists education, property taxes, public safety and mental health services as key issues.

For the full article click HERE