Jane Kleeb

Jane Fleming Kleeb is an American political executive, activist and author of the book Harvest the Vote (2020). She is the founder of Bold Alliance, Chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party and a board member of Our Revolution and Matriarch PAC.

Jane Kleeb was born and raised in South Florida. She began her journey in a politically aware environment. Her mother led Broward County Right to Life, influencing Kleeb's early views. At Stetson University, Kleeb majored in religious studies and leadership studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. She also holds an MA in International Training and Education from American University.

AmeriCorps Tallahassee was Kleeb's first job as Executive Director in 1996. She later helmed the Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders, integrating activism into recovery programs. Her career intersected with the film industry as a lead consultant for the 2006 documentary Thin.

Her political involvement deepened as Executive Director of the Young Democrats of America. During this period, she met her future husband, Scott Kleeb. Her political engagements continued as a MTV Street Teamer and as the Nebraska State Director for Change That Works. In 2010, her political participation extended to local education, winning a seat on the Hastings School Board.

Kleeb's activism took a significant turn with the establishment of Bold Nebraska in 2010. The organization, under her leadership, opposed the Keystone XL pipeline, mobilizing local landowners and legal expertise. The movement, symbolized by the "Stand With Randy" campaign, elevated the pipeline issue to national prominence. In 2016, Kleeb expanded her influence by founding Bold Alliance.

In 2016, she became the Chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party. Winning by a narrow margin, she defeated Chuck Hassebrook. Additionally, she took on a pivotal role in Our Revolution as treasurer and board member, an organization stemming from Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign.

Her book Harvest the Vote came out in 2020 and offers an insightful roadmap for the Democratic Party's engagement with rural America. Kleeb's text argues for the recognition of rural voters, often overlooked by the party. She suggests solutions for bridging the urban-rural divide, focusing on common issues like climate change, eminent domain, and corporate overreach.

Jane Kleeb resides in Hastings, Nebraska, with her husband, Scott Kleeb, and their three daughters.

Photo credit: X @janekleeb