The Power of People
Speaking truth. Sparking action. Building a just Nebraska for all.
The Power of People is my space to speak directly, openly, and unapologetically about the issues shaping Nebraska and our nation. Here you’ll find my reflections on policy, politics, and the work we must do together—work rooted in truth, accountability, and the belief that real change starts with us. These aren’t just commentaries; they’re calls to action to build a more just, equitable, and people-powered future.
The Power of People
By Senator Machaela Cavanaugh
Last week, Nebraska made national news as hundreds packed a town hall to face down Congressman Mike Flood. Nebraskans are rejecting cuts to our healthcare so the wealthy can prosper. The shouts. The boos. That unyielding presence. It was a vivid reminder: real change only happens when the people stand and demand it.
Around the same time, Beto O’Rourke brought that same charge to Omaha, telling a packed room, “Fighting through this instead of fighting back. Fighting forward instead of fighting back.” He urged us to stop merely sounding the alarm and instead build a democracy worth saving. He called for Democrats to be “just as relentless” in seeking the power to dismantle authoritarian moves and systems rooted in racism and poverty.
Our town hall energy and Beto’s words intersect in a profound truth: we can’t only resist—we must also build. Showing up is powerful. But turning that energy into sustained, inclusive organizing—not just for better outcomes, but for deeper justice—that’s how we create lasting change.
So here’s our test: Are we reaching beyond our comfort zones—not just showing up where it’s safe, but stepping into rooms, neighborhoods, and conversations that challenge us? Are we truly elevating the voices of people most impacted by poverty, systemic racism, and generational injustice—not just giving them a platform, but letting them shape the agenda?
Are we fighting for higher wages, universal healthcare, fair maps, and voting rights with the urgency they demand—knowing these aren’t abstract policy goals, but lifelines for our neighbors? Are we naming and dismantling the structural barriers that keep Nebraskans from thriving, even when doing so disrupts our political alliances or exposes uncomfortable truths about our movements?
And—perhaps most importantly—are we willing to hold ourselves to the same standard of accountability we demand from those in power? That means owning our missteps, correcting course when we fall short, and refusing to settle for incremental change that leaves the most vulnerable behind. Our credibility depends not on how loudly we call out injustice in others, but on how consistently we confront it in ourselves.
If the answer to any of these questions is “not yet,” then that’s where we begin. Not tomorrow. Not after the next election. Now. We have the power, the urgency, and—after this week—the proof that Nebraskans are ready to stand up and be heard.
Let’s use this moment to build something bold enough to outlast a news cycle, resilient enough to weather the backlash, and just enough to transform not only who holds power, but also how they use power.
Because the point is not simply to win—it’s to make winning matter for every person who has ever been told their voice, their vote, or their life doesn’t count. And that work starts with us.
Three Simple Actions You Can Take Right Now
Bring two people with you next time. Whether it’s a town hall, a rally, or a meeting—invite friends and make our movement grow.
Share the story. Post, text, or talk about what happened at the Flood town hall and why it matters.
Register one voter. Help a neighbor, friend, or family member get ready to vote in the next election.
