The Nebraska State Capitol's beloved feline, Cameron, might soon have a permanent statue. For ten years, Cameron the "Capitol Cat" brought comfort to lawmakers and staff. He was a familiar face, greeting people even after long legislative days.
Cameron retired in May when his owner, Dianna McGinnis, moved to assisted living. Now, supporters want to honor his legacy with a life-size bronze statue. It would sit on the south side of the Capitol.
The proposed statue would be about 18-20 inches tall. It would rest on an Indiana limestone pedestal, about 28-32 inches high. This limestone would match the Capitol's historic stone. State Senator Jana Hughes of Seward supports the project. She believes it would be "so freaking cute" and a popular spot for photos.
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Start Your News DetoxNo taxpayer money will fund the statue. The project is privately funded. Senator Hughes and former state Senator Anna Wishart will present the idea to the Nebraska Capitol Environs Commission. They need final approval before the statue can be placed.
A Heartwarming Story
Senator Hughes first heard about the statue idea from a constituent, Scott Shafer. Shafer works for the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs. Hughes even used AI to create a rendering of the potential statue.
Benjamin Victor, a sculptor from Boise, Idaho, has agreed to create the bronze Cameron. Victor is known for his statues of Ponca Chief Standing Bear and Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte in Lincoln. He has also sculpted four statues in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol, including Nebraska's Chief Standing Bear. Victor is the only living sculptor with this honor.
Victor met Cameron several times during his visits to the Nebraska Capitol. He finds Cameron's story "amazing and heartwarming." He noted that pets touch our hearts and become part of our families.
Initially, supporters considered placing the statue closer to the Capitol entrance. However, commission rules state that the "Capitol Square" is a "complete and finished design." This means the statue needs to be placed elsewhere.
A Storied Legacy
Former Senator Wishart said people in Lincoln miss Cameron. Many would drive by just to say "hi" to the Capitol Cat. She believes his presence should be permanent because he was such an important figure. Wishart noted that Cameron seemed to know when the Capitol would be busy. He would trot down the street to greet everyone.
Wishart said Cameron's presence felt "as old as the stone of the Capitol." She hopes the statue can be installed soon for McGinnis, who is facing health issues. Wishart emphasized Cameron's positive presence and how he brought out "shared humanity."
John Shaw, a local photographer, is also helping with the project. He published a book about Cameron. Shaw said Cameron's family is "very on board." The fundraising campaign has already raised almost $3,500 towards its $37,500 goal. Shaw will donate profits from his book to the project through October. The cost covers Victor's work and ongoing maintenance. The materials are designed to withstand Nebraska's weather.
Shaw, who is not primarily an animal photographer, always enjoyed photographing Cameron. He heard many emotional stories about Cameron from people across the country. These stories often involved how Cameron comforted them during times of loss.
A Peaceful Constant
Nebraska's top legislator, Speaker John Arch, also supports the statue. Arch has served eight years in the Legislature, four as speaker. He noted the "intense energy, long hours, and rigorous debate" in the Capitol.
Arch wrote that Cameron served a "unique and comforting purpose." For over a decade, he was a "peaceful constant on the south steps and lawns." He offered warmth to everyone entering and exiting the building. Arch said Cameron represented the "sheer goodwill of our Capitol culture." His retirement marked the "end of a remarkable era."
Arch believes placing Cameron's memorial across the street will preserve his story and connection to the Capitol. It will also respect the building's physical integrity. The Capitol Environs Commission meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Friday in Lincoln.
Deep Dive & References
Nebraska's Capitol Cat Bids Farewell to Constituents, Retreats to Private Life - Nebraska Examiner, 2026 Nebraska Capitol Environs Commission - City of Lincoln Capitol Environs District - City of Lincoln Purpose of the Commission - City of Lincoln Benjamin Victor Sculptor Website Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Statue - Benjamin Victor Chief Standing Bear Statue - Benjamin Victor Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol - Visit the Capitol Daisy Lee Gatson Bates Statue - Benjamin Victor Norman Borlaug Statue - Benjamin Victor Sarah Winnemucca Statue - Benjamin Victor Commission Regulations in the Lincoln Municipal Code - City of Lincoln Lincoln City, Nebraska QuickFacts - U.S. Census Bureau Cameron the Capitol Cat Statue Fundraising Campaign - John Shaw Photography Meeting Materials for Capitol Environs Commission - City of Lincoln Letter of Support from Speaker Arch - Nebraska Examiner, 2026 So Freaking Cute: Supporters Pitch Cameron the Capitol Cat Statue Outside Nebraska State Capitol - Nebraska Examiner, 2026
