Mike McDonnell is a nonpartisan Nebraska state senator who represented District 5 from 2017 to 2025. Initially elected as a Democrat, he switched to the Republican Party in 2024 after censure by the Nebraska Democratic Party for supporting anti-abortion legislation and bans on transgender medical procedures for minors. He currently serves as President of the Omaha Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, and is a lifelong Catholic prioritizing faith in his decisions. Married to Amy Grosse since 1993, they have one child, Ryan. Notable positions include opposition to shifting Nebraska to a winner-take-all presidential electoral vote system and advocacy for "heartbeat bills" and semiconductor manufacturing incentives in Nebraska.

Education and Political Experience

Education:
- Master's in Public Administration, Bellevue University, 2014
- Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1996
- Bachelor's in Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1992
- Graduate, Daniel J. Gross High School, 1984

Political Experience:
- Nebraska State Senator, District 5 ; nonpartisan, formerly Democrat
- Candidate, Nebraska State Senate District 5, 2020
- Professor, William Brennan Institute for Labor Studies, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Prior Professional Roles:
- Fire Chief/Firefighter, Omaha Fire Department
- Former President/Secretary/Executive Board/Political Action Chair, Omaha Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 385
- Former State President, Nebraska Professional Firefighters Association
- Former Executive Board Member, Nebraska State AFL-CIO and Labor United