Daniel McKeon
Nebraska State Senate District 41
Tenure
Term ends
Years in position
Predecessor
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Daniel McKeon (Republican Party) is a member of the Nebraska State Senate, representing District 41. He assumed office on January 8, 2025. His current term ends on January 3, 2029.
McKeon ran for election to the Nebraska State Senate to represent District 41. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
McKeon completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Daniel McKeon was born in Sweetwater, Nebraska. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1986 to 1992. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1989. His career experience includes working in agriculture. McKeon has been affiliated with the Nebraska LEAD Program, Fellow Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scouts, and has served as a troop leader.[1]
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2024
See also: Nebraska State Senate elections, 2024
General election
Nonpartisan primary election
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for McKeon in this election.
Pledges
McKeon signed the following pledges.
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Daniel McKeon completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McKeon's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I'm Dan McKeon, a proud Nebraskan rooted in Central Nebraska's agricultural heritage. With 30+ years in agribusiness, I understand the challenges facing our farmers. As a husband, father of four, and proud Army National Guard veteran, family values guide me. I'm a Constitutional Conservative, Nebraska LEAD Program Fellow, and Eagle Scout dedicated to serving District 41 with integrity.
- Championing Conservative Values: I am dedicated to upholding conservative principles and defending the Constitution, including protecting the sanctity of life, promoting fiscal responsibility, and preserving our Second Amendment rights.
- Strengthening Agriculture and Rural Communities: With over 30 years of experience in agribusiness, I understand the challenges facing farmers and ranchers in Central Nebraska. I will fight to support agriculture, promote rural economic development, and preserve our way of life for future generations.
- Prioritizing Education and Family Values: As a father and former high school wrestling official (30+ years), I know the importance of quality education and strong family values. I will work to ensure every child has access to a top-notch education and support policies that strengthen families and communities.
I am personally passionate about several areas of public policy, including:
Agriculture and Rural Development: With over 30 years in agribusiness, I'll advocate for policies supporting farmers and ranchers, rural economic growth, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Education: Every child deserves a quality education. I'll prioritize funding for schools, empower parents with school choice options, and promote innovative approaches to learning.
Constitutional Rights: I'll defend our Constitution, including protecting religious liberty, free speech, and Second Amendment rights, ensuring our fundamental freedoms are preserved for future generations. I look up to individuals like my parents, who have always been a source of inspiration for me. They instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity, and service from a young age, and their example continues to guide me in everything I do. Their dedication to their family and community, as well as their unwavering commitment to doing what is right, serves as a constant reminder of the kind of person I strive to be. I also admire leaders who have made a positive impact on their communities and have shown the courage to stand up for their beliefs, even in the face of adversity. As an aspiring officeholder, I aim to follow in the footsteps of those who have demonstrated integrity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to serving others.
I recommend reading "The Federalist Papers." These essays, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, provide insights into the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and the importance of checks and balances. They offer timeless wisdom that continues to shape my beliefs as a Constitutional Conservative.
One of the most important characteristics for an elected official is integrity. Transparency, honesty, and a commitment to serving the people's interests are essential. Additionally, a dedication to upholding constitutional principles and representing constituents' values is paramount. Financial transparency and government accountability are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I believe in strong oversight to prevent waste and corruption.
I believe my strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to conservative principles are qualities that would make me a successful officeholder. With over 30 years of experience in agribusiness, I have a deep understanding of the issues facing our community and the determination to find solutions that benefit all residents. My background as a Nebraska LEAD Program Fellow and Army National Guard veteran has equipped me with the leadership skills and dedication to serve the people of District 41 with honesty and integrity. I am passionate about advocating for our farmers, promoting economic growth, and preserving our way of life for future generations. With these qualities and values guiding me, I am confident in my ability to effectively represent the interests of our community and make a positive difference as an officeholder.
It's vital to enact legislation that addresses the needs and concerns of our state's communities, promotes economic growth, and enhances the overall well-being of constituents. Collaboration with fellow legislators, effective communication with constituents, and prudent fiscal management are essential aspects of serving in this capacity.
As an officeholder, I aim to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and positive impact. I want to be remembered as someone who stood up for the values and interests of the hardworking people of District 41. Whether it's fighting for our farmers, advocating for our children's education, or defending our constitutional rights, I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I represent. My hope is that my dedication to our community and unwavering commitment to conservative principles will leave a lasting and positive impact for generations to come.
The first historical event that I remember from my lifetime was when my family's house burned to the ground. I was five years old at the time, and it was a traumatic experience for our family. Thankfully, no one was home at the time, but it left a lasting impact on me and taught me the importance of resilience and gratitude for life's blessings.
My very first job was working on my family's farm near Ravenna, Nebraska. I started helping out as soon as I was old enough to walk and talk! From feeding animals to helping with chores around the farm, I learned the value of hard work and responsibility from a young age. I continued to work on the farm throughout my childhood and adolescence, gaining invaluable experience and laying the foundation for my future endeavors in agribusiness. Working on the farm instilled in me a deep appreciation for the land, a strong work ethic, and a sense of pride in contributing to my family's livelihood.
My entrepreneurial spirit was evident at an early age as I started my own mowing business at the age of 14. I worked diligently on the farm and also managed my mowing business, learning the values of hard work and responsibility from a young age.
My very first job out of college was as a crop scout at Servi-Tech Inc., where I gained valuable experience in agricultural practices and consulting. My favorite book is "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck. It's a powerful portrayal of the struggles and resilience of the American people during the Great Depression, particularly those in the farming community. Steinbeck's vivid storytelling and deep empathy for his characters resonate with me, and the book's themes of hardship, perseverance, and the strength of the human spirit have left a lasting impression on me.
If I could be any fictional character, I'd choose to be John Galt from Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." Galt epitomizes the values of individualism, self-reliance, and integrity, qualities that resonate deeply with me. Like Galt, I believe in the power of free markets, personal responsibility, and the pursuit of excellence.
The last song that got stuck in my head was "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver. Every time I hear it, I can't help but sing along at the top of my lungs, much to the chagrin of my family and neighbors! But hey, who can resist belting out a classic like that when it comes on the radio? It's like a tractor beam for your ears!
One struggle I've faced in my life is balancing the demands of work, family, and community involvement. It can be challenging to juggle multiple responsibilities, but I believe in the importance of prioritizing and making time for what matters most.
An ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature involves mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to advancing the state's interests. While each branch has distinct roles, collaboration is necessary to achieve meaningful progress on key issues facing Nebraska.
Looking ahead, our state will face various challenges, including rural healthcare and broadband internet access in addition to infrastructure development. Addressing these challenges will require innovative solutions, bipartisan cooperation, and a focus on long-term sustainability.
I strongly believe in building relationships with other legislators to foster cooperation, find common ground, and effectively advocate for constituents' interests. Collaboration across party lines is essential for achieving meaningful legislative outcomes and addressing the complex challenges facing our state.
While I admire several past and present legislators for their dedication and leadership, I aim to bring my unique perspective and principles to the office, focusing on representing the people of District 41 to the best of my ability.
As a candidate for this office, my immediate focus is on serving the needs of my constituents in District 41. However, I remain open to opportunities to serve at different levels of government in the future, depending on where I can make the greatest positive impact for the people of Nebraska.
Throughout my campaign, I've been moved by the personal stories shared by residents of District 41. Each story underscores the importance of effective representation and the profound impact that legislative decisions can have on people's lives.
Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was outstanding in his field!
In terms of emergency powers, oversight by the legislature is essential to ensure that any use of emergency powers is necessary, proportionate, and subject to appropriate checks and balances. Maintaining legislative oversight helps safeguard against potential abuses of power and ensures accountability to the public.
If elected, my first priority would be introducing legislation aimed at promoting economic development and job growth in District 41. This could include initiatives to support small businesses, attract investment, and create opportunities for local workers.
We are honored to have received endorsements from various organizations and individuals who share our vision for a better Nebraska. Please visit our campaign website for a complete list of endorsements. Thank you for your support!
Agriculture; Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs
I believe in absolute financial transparency and government accountability. As an advocate for fiscal responsibility, I believe it's crucial for taxpayers to know how their hard-earned money is being spent. Government officials must be held accountable for every dollar they allocate and every decision they make. Transparency builds trust between the government and the people it serves, fostering a culture of integrity and responsible governance. As a legislator, I will prioritize measures to ensure transparency and accountability at every level of government.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
- See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Nebraska
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Nebraska scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 30, 2024
Leadership
Senate President:John Arch
Senators
Republican Party (33)
Democratic Party (14)
Nonpartisan (2)
