Megan Hunt: Expanding Representation in Nebraska’s Legislature

When Megan Hunt was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2018, she did more than win a seat. She made history.

Born May 9, 1986, Hunt became the first openly LGBTQ person elected to the Nebraska Legislature and the first woman to represent District 8, which includes Omaha neighborhoods such as Dundee, Benson and Keystone. She succeeded term-limited Sen. Burke Harr and quickly became known for amplifying progressive urban policy conversations in a largely rural, conservative state.

Originally from Blair, Nebraska, Hunt graduated from Blair High School in 2004 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in intercultural communication and German from Dana College in 2008. Before entering politics, she built a reputation as a community leader and entrepreneur, earning recognition from Shout Magazine’s 30 Under 30, the Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the Omaha Jaycees as one of its Ten Outstanding Omahans.

Hunt identifies as bisexual and has spoken openly about the significance of representation in public office. Her presence in the Legislature marked a cultural shift for the state, signaling broader inclusion in a body that had never before elected an openly LGBTQ lawmaker.

During her tenure, she has served on several key committees, including Business and Labor, Government, Military and Veterans Affairs, Urban Affairs and State-Tribal Relations. She has sponsored dozens of bills and was among 11 state senators who sought to convene a special legislative session focused on racial and social justice issues.

In 2019, she completed Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government as a David Bohnett LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership Fellow.

In Nebraska’s only unicameral legislature, Megan Hunt carved out space for new voices, new priorities and a broader vision of who belongs in power.