The race for the South Omaha District 5 seat in the Nebraska Legislature is heating up as three diverse candidates vie for the position. Margo Juarez, Gilbert Ayala, and Flint Harkness each bring unique political and life experiences to the table as they compete for the seat currently held by term-limited Mike McDonnell.
Juarez, a current member of the Omaha School Board, is in her 60s and has a background in federal government work. She is focused on representing underrepresented populations in her district and advocating for issues such as mass transportation options and education funding.
Ayala, a conservative Republican in his 50s, is making his fifth run for public office. He is a pro-life supporter of Second Amendment rights and believes in small government. Ayala is proposing freezing property taxes for two years and gradually increasing them by 1% annually to force elected officials to cut non-essentials.
Harkness, a 35-year-old special education teacher, is running on a platform of bringing a fresh perspective to the Legislature. He believes in investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to drive economic development and attract a broader tax base. Harkness is critical of recent divisive legislation and aims to be a voice of reason in the Legislature.
The race in District 5 is officially nonpartisan, but the candidates’ party affiliations are clear. The two candidates with the most votes in the May 14 primary will advance to the general election, regardless of party.
As the candidates continue to campaign and engage with voters, the issues of property taxes, education funding, economic development, and workforce development are at the forefront of their platforms. Each candidate brings a unique perspective and set of priorities to the table, making the race in District 5 one to watch as the election approaches.