Tony Vargas is a Democratic politician and former educator born on September 2, 1984. He served in the Nebraska Legislature representing District 7 from 2017 to 2025, where he was the first Hispanic Democrat elected to that body. Notable achievements include passing over 70 bills on economic development, education, affordable housing, healthcare access, and fiscal planning; serving on the Appropriations Committee for eight years; and acting as Vice-Chair of the Executive Board and Chair of the Planning Committee. He ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Congress in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District in 2020, 2022, and 2024 against Republican incumbent Don Bacon. Currently, he is Executive Director of Square One, a nonprofit supporting Democratic candidates from underrepresented groups. He advocates for codifying abortion rights, gun safety policies, and bipartisan solutions for Nebraska workers and small businesses.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: First in his family to graduate college; earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester and a Master's in Education from Pace University.
• Early Career: Started as a public school teacher through Teach For America; worked in education with schools, nonprofits, and foundations.
• Political Roles:
  • Elected to Omaha Public Schools Board in 2013.
  • Nebraska State Senator , 2017-2025: Focused on budget balancing, public schools, healthcare, technology, innovation, and consumer protections.
  • Democratic nominee for U.S. House, Nebraska's 2nd District .