OMAHA, Neb. – Denise Powell has emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, a pivotal race that highlights the district’s unique status as a “blue dot” in an otherwise predominantly Republican state.
The Omaha-area district holds significant importance for Democrats, particularly with the retirement of Republican U.S. Representative Don Bacon. Nebraska is one of only two states that allocate its electoral votes by congressional district, making this race a focal point during presidential elections. Remarkably, Democratic candidates have won the district three out of five times since 2008, underscoring its potential as a battleground.
Powell, a dedicated political activist, triumphed over state Senator John Cavanaugh and several other contenders in a closely contested Democratic primary. The race was so tight that results remained uncertain until Wednesday, intensifying the anticipation among voters and party officials alike.
In the general election, Powell will face Brinker Harding, an Omaha City Council member who received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump after running unopposed in the Republican primary. This matchup is poised to be one of the most competitive House races this fall, as Democrats aim to reclaim control of the House during the second half of Trump’s term.
“This country and Nebraska are worth fighting for — and I’m ready to spend the next six months working for every vote and sharing my vision for Nebraska so we can finally have a representative in Congress who will serve us,” Powell stated emphatically. “It’s time to be brave.”
The 2nd District stands out as one of only three across the nation that supported Democrat Kamala Harris for president in 2024 while simultaneously electing a Republican representative. Despite Trump winning the district in 2016, the retiring Bacon has held the seat for five terms, often finding himself at odds with Trump’s more extreme positions.
Denise Powell, who identifies as Latina, has a strong background in political activism. She co-founded Women Who Run Nebraska, an organization dedicated to supporting progressive female candidates, and has accumulated over a decade of experience in Democratic politics. Her campaign has garnered support from influential groups such as EMILY’s List and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ campaign operation, enhancing her credibility and outreach.
Though Powell has never held public office, her extensive community connections have positioned her favorably among independents and third-party voters, who represent nearly 30% of the district’s electorate. This demographic could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election.
Some Democratic insiders expressed concerns that a Cavanaugh primary win could have jeopardized the district’s “blue dot” status. They argued that losing his state legislative seat would facilitate Republican efforts to alter the law governing Nebraska’s electoral vote allocation.
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Peoples reported from New York.
