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In a crowded field of Democratic hopefuls vying for Congressman Don Bacon’s seat in Nebraska’s 2nd District, Denise Powell is maintaining momentum as the midterm primary approaches. During a recent interview with First Alert 6, Powell expressed confidence in her campaign while emphasizing the importance of continued effort ahead of Tuesday’s election.
“The price of gas is through the roof, groceries, healthcare, childcare, housing, people just do not know how they are going to make ends meat anymore,” Powell said during the Wednesday interview. “They do not see any help coming from D.C. and they are clearly ready for some new leadership.”
Powell, who entered the race approximately a year ago, brings a different background to the contest. As co-founder of Women Who Run Nebraska, she has extensive experience working on political campaigns but has never held elected office herself—a distinction she believes could work in her favor.
“I have spent a lot of time working with organizations that are working really hard to serve our communities and advocating for candidates that are running because they care deeply about our communities,” Powell explained. “I understand the issues, I know who the people are who are on the ground doing the work and getting it done. I have the relationships, I have the work ethic, I’ve got the drive and the love of this state to get things done.”
The campaign has not been without controversy. Recent political attack advertisements have labeled Powell as “Dark Money Denise,” accusing her of accepting funds from undisclosed sources and portraying her as a “millionaire political operative.” Powell firmly denied these allegations during her interview, calling them both disappointing and false.
“I have been fighting for great candidates, fighting to stop abortion bans, fighting for our public schools,” Powell countered. “And I am hoping that is what voters are going to remember, not these sort of desperate lies that are really just a distraction from the real issues that are keeping people up at night.”
Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District has been a Republican stronghold under Bacon’s tenure, but Democrats see potential for flipping the seat in this election cycle. Affordability issues have dominated voter concerns across the district, which includes much of the Omaha metropolitan area. The district has shown competitive tendencies in recent elections, attracting national attention and resources from both parties.
Powell’s background in community organizing represents part of a broader trend in Democratic politics, where candidates with non-traditional political backgrounds have found success in recent election cycles. Her work with Women Who Run Nebraska aligns with increased efforts to recruit and support female candidates nationwide.
The Nebraska Congressional Black Caucus has endorsed Powell, adding to her growing list of supporters as the primary approaches. Political analysts note that endorsements can prove particularly valuable in crowded primary fields where candidates may struggle to distinguish themselves.
Despite her optimism, Powell acknowledged the challenging road ahead to potentially unseat a Republican incumbent in Nebraska.
“We are not taking anything for granted. I know that I am going to have to work really hard, I am not entitled to this seat, nobody owes me their vote,” she said. “My job for the next six months is to work really hard to earn that support.”
Nebraska’s midterm primary elections will take place this Tuesday, May 12, though early voting is already underway across the state. Voters seeking information can find sample ballots on the Douglas County and Sarpy County election commission websites.
The race for Nebraska’s 2nd District remains one of several closely watched congressional contests in the 2026 midterm cycle, with both parties viewing the seat as potentially competitive in the general election. For Powell and her Democratic rivals, Tuesday’s primary represents just the first hurdle in what promises to be a hard-fought campaign season.
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8 Comments
Powell’s background working on political campaigns could give her an edge in terms of understanding the political process and how to get things done. But she’ll still need to convince voters that she has the right vision and ideas to represent them effectively.
Interesting to see a political outsider like Powell running in this race. Her focus on community issues and grassroots organizing could resonate with voters looking for a change. But governing experience will still be crucial if she wins the seat.
Glad to see a candidate focusing on the real bread-and-butter issues that families are grappling with – gas, groceries, healthcare, etc. It’s important for politicians to stay grounded in the daily challenges their constituents face.
Agreed, the cost-of-living crisis is a huge concern for many voters right now. Powell will need to offer concrete policy solutions if she wants to gain traction.
The ‘dark money’ claims sound like a distraction from the real issues. Voters will want to know how candidates plan to address inflation, the economy, and other pressing concerns, not get bogged down in partisan mudslinging.
Denise Powell’s background in political campaigns could be a real asset if she’s able to connect with voters and bring fresh ideas to the table. The cost of living challenges facing Nebraska families are certainly a key issue.
I’ll be curious to see how Powell’s ‘outsider’ status is received by voters compared to more experienced politicians. Sometimes new perspectives can be valuable, but governing experience also matters. Looking forward to seeing how this race unfolds.
Interesting to see the debate around ‘dark money’ and false claims in this election. It’s important that candidates are transparent about their funding sources and focus on the real issues that matter to voters.