The Nebraska Democratic Party has witnessed a significant shift in strategy and momentum under the leadership of Jane Kleeb, its chair. Kleeb is president of the Association of State Democratic Committees (ASDC) and a DNC vice-chair. In electric vehicles, he’s tackling one of the key obstacles to the party’s core economic message and increasingly hungry rural voters. Her approach has never been just about winning elections; it’s focused on building deep, long-lasting connections rooted in the community’s priorities.
Since taking the helm of the Nebraska Democratic Party, Kleeb has focused on direct outreach to rural constituents, a demographic often overlooked by the party. Her mantra, “When we organize everywhere, we can win anywhere!” encapsulates her belief that every voter matters, regardless of location. Kleeb’s approach is all about strengthening party infrastructure. Simultaneously, he’s hitting every detail for the everyday needs of his constituents, a key strategy in a state long-known as one of the most conservative in the nation.
Even through her own party’s internal procedural obstacles, Kleeb has never wavered. She focuses in on the ground work it takes to energize advocates and create alliances from one end of Nebraska to the other. Under her leadership, in a very red state, the Nebraska Democratic Party is all about the real deal. Instead, they decide to eschew pejorative tags and toxic campaign crap.
Kleeb’s leadership style is deeply rooted in her commitment to grassroots organizing and community engagement. That same dedication has enabled the Nebraska Democratic Party to build support even in some of the deepest red parts of the state. Kleeb prioritizes grassroots issues such as protecting water resources and conserving land. This strategy allows her to address rural concerns without resorting to voter-baiting.
“In rural and small towns we may not use the word ‘climate change’ in the first five sentences, but everything we’re doing is talking about protecting the land and water,” Kleeb stated, highlighting her pragmatic approach to environmental issues.
Kleeb’s influence extends beyond state lines. Her recent election as chair of state chairs for the DNC is no small feat. She will now be one of the most influential figures in crafting national Democratic strategies. In this role, she leads the organization’s advocacy for a revitalized, grassroots 50-state strategy. This method ensures that all state chairs—including those in battleground areas—receive the same amount of resources, giving the party a cohesive and united appearance.
The bottom line is that Kleeb’s work has made a huge difference. Today, the Nebraska Democratic Party is winning in places even Democrats thought they couldn’t win. By building coalitions with various community groups and focusing on real issues that affect residents’ daily lives, Kleeb aims to establish a sustainable model for success in elections ahead.
Her accomplishments can be used as a roadmap for Democrats across the country who are focused on winning the 2026 elections and building from there. By emphasizing outreach and inclusivity, particularly in rural regions, Kleeb and her team demonstrate that Democrats can indeed find success outside their traditional urban strongholds.