John J. Cavanaugh Jr. was born on October 6, 1980, in Omaha, Nebraska. He is an American attorney and politician serving as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 9th district. He was elected in November 2020 and assumed office on January 6, 2021.1
Cavanaugh is one of eight siblings. His father, John Joseph Cavanaugh III, was also a member of the Nebraska Legislature and represented Nebraska’s 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 1981. His sister, Machaela Cavanaugh, is also a member of the Nebraska Legislature.
Cavanaugh graduated from Creighton Preparatory School in 1999. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Catholic University of America in 2003, followed by a Master of Arts in environmental policy and a Juris Doctor from the Vermont Law School.
Before his political career, Cavanaugh was an intern in both chambers of the United States Congress. From 2006 to 2008, he worked in quality assurance for FirstComp Insurance. He also worked as an attorney and assistant public defender.
Cavanaugh is married to Kathleen McGill and they have four children: Evelyn, Jack, Lucy, and William. He continues to work as an attorney alongside his duties as a state senator.
