A former state senator from Omaha is running again for the Nebraska Legislature. The Nebraska Secretary of State's Office has confirmed that Ernie Chambers is running to represent District 11. Nebraska 2024 Primary Election Guide: Click here for races, registration, important dates and more. Terrell McKinney, a North Omaha local, is the current incumbent. He replaced Chambers, who was term-limited, in the 2020 election. Calandra Cooper is also running to represent District 11. Chambers, 86, worked at the Nebraska State House for nearly 50 years. He passed legislation requiring local board elections, paving the way for people of color to hold public office. He also passed legislation requiring a grand jury investigation when a person is killed in police custody and established learning communities aimed at closing gaps in disadvantaged schools. In 2009, he was also recognized by Congressman Lee Terry of Nebraska for his work. “Thanks to his drive and passion, Senator Chambers is a once-in-a-lifetime policy maker and leader,” Daniel Conrad said on Chambers' final day in Congress in 2020. Stated. He helped abolish the death penalty, which was later reinstated by voters. At one point, he even accused God. Chambers told KETV Newswatch 7 that he decided to take a break because of his age, but at 86 years old he still feels he is in good spirits both mentally and physically. He said he is doing so. To prove it, he landed in front of his house and did 20 push-ups. He said it was time for him to make a comeback because he didn't like what he was seeing in Congress. “It's becoming a monkey-see-monkey-do state. Any lame, crazy idea going on in some backwards legislature, someone in Nebraska will introduce it as a bill.” said Chambers. He said he wanted to enact the bill. “I'm persistent, I don't get tired, I don't give up,” Chambers said. McKinney said he was not surprised by Chambers' decision to run again. McKinney said in his statement, “I'm just focused on my job and representing the people of District 11,” while Chambers said it was nothing personal. “I'm not at odds with anyone,” he said. “Anyone can run for that seat. It's not mine or anyone else's. I'm running because I think there are things that need to be done, and I'm not sure how many of them I'm running for. I believe that you can accomplish something, and I can't stop doing some bad things. ” His supporters like Anneline Hatutale agree. “He's got a foothold in Omaha, so you can see what he's accomplished,” she said. However, Precious McKesson, executive director of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said she has not seen much of what Sen. McKinney has done over the past four years in terms of bringing $250 million-plus in financial aid to North Omaha and pushing for passage of LD11. He said that it is extremely important to recognize the importance of The community supports Sen. McKinney because he provides us with a new perspective on how we can continue to improve the lives of LD11 and the entire state of Nebraska.” she said in a statement. Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7.
A former state senator from Omaha is running again for the Nebraska Legislature.
The Nebraska Secretary of State's Office has confirmed Ernie Chambers' application to represent District 11.
Nebraska 2024 Primary Election Guide: Click here for races, registration, important dates, and more
Terrell McKinney from North Omaha is the current incumbent. He replaced Chambers, who was term-limited, in the 2020 election. Calandra Cooper is also running to represent District 11.
Mr. Chambers, 86, served at the Nebraska State Capitol for nearly 50 years.
He passed legislation requiring local board elections, paving the way for people of color to hold public office. He also passed legislation requiring a grand jury investigation when a person dies in police custody and established learning communities aimed at closing gaps in disadvantaged schools.
He was also recognized by Representative Lee Terry of Nebraska in 2009 for his work in Omaha and as a former senator.
“Thanks to his drive and passion, Sen. Chambers is a once-in-a-lifetime policymaker and leader,” Daniel Conrad said on Chambers' final day in the 2020 Congress.
Mr. Chambers helped abolish the death penalty, which was later reinstated by voters. At one point, he even sued God.
Chambers told KETV Newswatch 7 that he decided to take a break because of his age, but that at age 86, he still feels mentally and physically strong. To prove it, he collapsed in front of his house and did his push-ups 20 times.
He said it was time for him to come back because he didn't like what he was seeing in Congress.
“It's becoming a monkey-see-monkey-do state. Any lame, crazy idea going on in some backwards legislature, someone in Nebraska will propose it as a bill.” said Chambers.
He said he wants to enact legislation that will help Nebraskans.
“I'm persistent, I don't get tired, I don't give up,” Chambers said.
McKinney said he was not surprised by Chamber's decision to run again.
“I'm just focused on my job and representing the people of District 11,” McKinney said in a statement.
Chambers said it wasn't personal.
“I'm not at odds with anyone,” he said. “Anyone can run for that seat. It's not mine or anyone else's. I'm running because I think there are things that need to be done, and I'm not sure how many of them I'm running for. I believe I can accomplish something, and I can stop doing some of the bad things. ”
His supporters like Anneline Hatutale agree.
“He's got a foothold in Omaha, so you can see what he's accomplished,” she said.
But Precious McKesson, executive director of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said it's important to recognize what Sen. McKinney has done over the past four years.
“For bringing $250 million-plus in financial assistance to North Omaha and passing the LD11 bill. The community supports Sen. McKinney because he provides perspective,” she said in a statement.
Click here for the latest headlines on KETV NewsWatch 7
