She attended Marian High School in Omaha, Nebraska, and the University of St. Thomas, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology in 2001.
[3] Upon discovering that there were no designated, private spaces for women to breastfeed or pump in the Capitol building, Cavanaugh introduced LB709, which would have required a dedicated nursing station be created in for senators, staff, and visitors.
Though the bill languished in the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, the Nebraska Capitol Commission purchased a lactation station and set up space near the south entrance of the building.
[6] In February 2023, state senator Kathleen Kauth introduced LB574, known as the "Let Them Grow Act", which would prohibit transgender healthcare for individuals under the age of 19.
[13] Cavanaugh, Megan Hunt, and John Fredrickson founded a political action committee, called "Don't Legislate Hate".