Sen. McDonnell launching campaign for Omaha mayor

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — State Sen. Mike McDonnell will run for mayor of Omaha, KMTV reports.

McDonnell will formally announce his campaign Thursday.

He is going up against Mayor Jean Stothert, a Republican seeking her fourth term.

McDonnell is also a Republican but was a Democrat until last spring.

SEE ALSO: ‘It makes us relevant’: Nebraska senator elaborates on opposition to winner-take-all

In the Legislature, he has sided with conservatives on issues like abortion and gender-affirming surgeries.

But this fall, he blocked efforts by Republicans to call a special session to make Nebraska a winner-take-all state in the Electoral College.

Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing and criminal justice reform activist Jasmine Harris, both Democrats, are also running.

The Omaha mayoral race is nonpartisan. The top two candidates will advance from the April 1 primary to the May 13 general election.

SEE ALSO: ‘Profoundly disappointing’: Gov. Pillen not calling special session on winner-take-all