Danielle Conrad

Danielle Conrad is a current member of the Nebraska State Senate, representing District 46, which encompasses parts of northeast Lincoln and a small section of Lancaster County. A member of the nonpartisan legislature, she has a history of public service that includes two separate terms in the Nebraska Legislature, first from 2007 to 2015 and then resuming her role in 2022. Throughout her political career, Conrad has focused on various issues, including education, workers' rights, and LGBTQ+ rights, reflecting her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents and advocating for progressive policies.

Early life and career

Danielle Conrad was born on August 5, 1977, in Seward, Nebraska. She grew up in a family that valued public service; her father was a Deputy Sheriff for over 25 years, while her mother dedicated more than 15 years to teaching in the Lincoln Public Schools system. This environment likely influenced her early interest in politics, which began during her teenage years as she followed the historic gubernatorial race between two women, Republican Kay Orr and Democrat Helen Boosalis.

Conrad pursued higher education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2000. She continued her studies at the University of Nebraska College of Law, obtaining her Juris Doctor in 2003. Following her graduation, she became a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association and took a position with the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest. This nonprofit organization focuses on providing legal assistance to underserved populations, including the poor, minorities, and immigrants in Nebraska.

In 2008, Conrad married, further establishing her roots in the community. Her professional journey continued as she became involved with various civic organizations. She served on the Board of Directors for the Lincoln YWCA and participated in the Community Development Taskforce. Additionally, her affiliations included memberships in the Nebraska Bar Association and the Lincoln Bar Association, as well as involvement with the Volunteer Lawyers Project.

From 2014 to 2022, Conrad led the ACLU of Nebraska, where she oversaw significant growth in the organization, expanding its staff from four to ten full-time members, including two contact lawyers. Under her leadership, the ACLU of Nebraska achieved legal victories in areas such as LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and open government. Her advocacy efforts included supporting the expansion of Medicaid eligibility, banning predatory payday lending practices, and increasing voter participation through initiatives like mass mailings of vote-by-mail applications.

Legislative service

Conrad's political career in the Nebraska Legislature began when she ran for office in 2006, seeking to represent the 46th Legislative District. She successfully defeated her opponent, Republican Carol Brown, securing 55% of the vote. During her first tenure from 2007 to 2015, she served on several standing committees, including Appropriations and Nebraska Retirement Systems. Additionally, she was a member of the Performance Audit Committee and the Redistricting Committee, and she chaired the Legislature's Innovation and Entrepreneurial Task Force.

Throughout her time in the legislature, Conrad was one of only ten women serving in the 49-member body, highlighting the gender disparity in Nebraska's political landscape. Due to term limits, she did not seek re-election in 2014 and was succeeded by Adam Morfeld. After a hiatus from the legislature, she returned to public office in 2022, resuming her role as a state senator.

In her current term, which began in 2023, Conrad has continued her legislative work by serving on the Education, Natural Resources, and Nebraska Retirement Systems Committees. Her experience and background in law and public service have informed her approach to legislation and her interactions with constituents.

Conrad has received endorsements from a variety of organizations, reflecting her broad support within the community. These endorsements include backing from The Lincoln Journal Star, Nebraska Cattlemen, Women Who Run Nebraska, The Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, the National Association of Social Workers, and Moms Demand Action, as well as endorsements from numerous current and former Nebraska State Senators.

Policy focus and district

As a legislator, Conrad has focused on a range of policy issues that resonate with her constituents in District 46. She has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, voting against measures that would restrict access to facilities based on biological gender. She also introduced legislation aimed at prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, although this bill did not pass.

Conrad is a proponent of reproductive rights, consistently voting against bills that would impose restrictions on abortion healthcare. Her commitment to education is evident in her introduction of legislation aimed at regulating the use of surveillance technology in schools, which seeks to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the monitoring of students.

In addition to her focus on education, Conrad has championed workers' rights, having voted to increase the minimum wage in Nebraska on two occasions. Her advocacy extends to ensuring that students have access to essential resources, such as free menstrual products in schools, and addressing issues related to school lunch debt, advocating for the abolition of debt collection practices targeting families for unpaid school meals.

Conrad's legislative efforts reflect her dedication to addressing the diverse needs of her constituents in District 46, as well as her broader commitment to social justice and equity. As she continues her service in the Nebraska State Senate, her work remains focused on creating policies that promote the well-being of all Nebraskans, particularly those from marginalized communities.