Tony Vargas 

Tony Vargas is the Executive Director of Square One, a national nonprofit focused on reshaping national leadership in our country by helping Democratic women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ candidates run and win for Congress in red and overlooked districts and states. At a time when our democracy faces immense challenges, Square One is committed to creating a more representative government that reflects the full diversity of America.

 

Tony started his career as a public school teacher through Teach For America and then continued his career in education working across the country in partnership with schools, nonprofits, and foundations to help improve outcomes for kids. He served as a school board member for Omaha Public Schools and was then elected as a State Senator in the Nebraska Legislature. In the Legislature, Tony worked effectively across party lines and built a reputation for his leadership and civility. He passed more than 70 bills into law, with a focus on improving economic development, supporting education and the arts, increasing affordable housing, and expanding healthcare access. He was elected by his colleagues to be Vice-Chair of the Executive Board and Chair of the Planning Committee, the Legislature’s long term strategic planning committee. Tony is a former democratic nominee for Congress in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District in 2020 and 2022.

 

Tony has received numerous awards and national recognition: He was selected as a Scholar in the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, a national senior leadership program led by the presidential foundations of President’s George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon Johnson. He was named a “Top 20 Under 40” state official and a Henry Toll Fellow by the Council of State Governments, for his record of bipartisan leadership and his record of exemplary government public service.

 

Tony earned his bachelor's from the University of Rochester and his Master's Degree from Pace University. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife, Lauren, and his two kids. Tony is a Fellow of the third class of the Civil Society Fellowship and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.