Mike Flood

Michael John Flood is an American attorney, businessman, and politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Nebraska's 1st congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he has been in office since July 2022. Flood has a background in media and business, having owned multiple radio and television stations in Nebraska. He previously served in the Nebraska Legislature, where he held the position of speaker and was known for his legislative initiatives.

Early life and career

Mike Flood was born on February 23, 1975, in Omaha, Nebraska, and was raised in Norfolk, Nebraska. He completed his high school education at Norfolk Catholic High School, graduating in 1993. Flood pursued higher education at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1997. He later attended the University of Nebraska College of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 2001.

Flood's career began in the media industry during his high school years, where he worked at a local radio station. His passion for broadcasting continued at the University of Notre Dame, where he hosted a show on the campus radio station. After graduating, he worked as a radio personality, known as "Sideshow Mike," on WBYT's morning show for a year. Upon returning to Nebraska, he continued his career in radio at a Lincoln-based country station, KFGE.

In 1999, while in his second year of law school, Flood founded KUSO, the first station in what would evolve into Flood Communications. As of 2023, he owned a total of 15 radio stations and seven television stations across Nebraska. In 2015, he established the News Channel Nebraska network, which became the state's only 24-hour news channel, integrating all his television and radio stations. Although he no longer solely owns these stations, having sold portions of the company to local investors, he has remained active in media, serving as an on-air talent and news reporter, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic with his variety show, Quarantine Tonight.

Flood's entry into politics began with his election to the Nebraska Legislature in 2004, where he represented the 19th legislative district, which includes Madison County and the city of Norfolk. He ran unopposed for the seat after the incumbent, Gene Tyson, announced his retirement. During his first term, Flood gained recognition for his legislative work, including the introduction and passage of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which was notable for being the first 20-week abortion ban in the United States. He also played a key role in a special legislative session in 2011, where he successfully brokered a compromise regarding the Keystone XL pipeline.

After serving two terms in the Nebraska Legislature, Flood left office in 2013 due to term limits. He initially considered a run for governor in 2014 but withdrew from the race following his wife's breast cancer diagnosis. In 2019, Flood announced his intention to return to the Nebraska Legislature for the 2020 election cycle, succeeding Jim Scheer, who was termed out. He was unopposed in the election and resumed his legislative duties in 2021.

House tenure

Flood's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives began with a special election in 2022. He announced his candidacy on January 16, 2022, to represent Nebraska's 1st congressional district, challenging the incumbent Republican Jeff Fortenberry. Following Fortenberry's resignation due to a felony conviction, Flood was nominated by the Nebraska Republican Party to run in the special election. He won the election against Democratic nominee Patty Pansing Brooks with a margin that was closer than anticipated.

In November 2022, Flood faced Brooks again in a rematch and was reelected, securing a more decisive victory. His electoral success continued in 2024 when he won reelection against Democrat Carol Blood, achieving victories in every county within the district.

Flood was sworn into office on July 12, 2022, by then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. His time in Congress has included notable votes, such as supporting aid for Israel following the 2023 invasion of Gaza. In March 2024, he was approached for the position of president of the University of Nebraska system but opted to remain in Congress. His engagement with constituents has included town hall meetings, where he has addressed various issues, including expressing support for public figures like Elon Musk.

In July 2025, Flood was elected unanimously to chair the Republican Main Street Caucus, indicating his leadership role within the party.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the U.S. House, Flood has been assigned to several committees that reflect his legislative interests and expertise. He serves on the Committee on Financial Services, where he is involved in matters related to the financial sector and economic policy. Within this committee, he holds leadership positions on the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

In addition to his committee assignments, Flood is a member of various caucuses that align with his legislative priorities. These include the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, which focuses on U.S. support for Ukraine, the Congressional Western Caucus, which addresses issues pertinent to the western United States, and the Rare Disease Caucus, which advocates for patients with rare diseases. He is also a member of the Republican Study Committee and the Republican Main Street Partnership, both of which aim to promote conservative policies and foster collaboration among party members.

Overall, Flood's legislative focus and committee work reflect his commitment to addressing key issues affecting his constituents and the broader national landscape. His background in media and business informs his approach to policy-making, as he navigates the complexities of governance in the U.S. House of Representatives.