(Picture credit Lewis Thune)
OMAHA — Denise Powell claimed victory in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District Tuesday night, defeating Omaha city councilman Brinker Harding and turning Omaha’s seat blue for the first time since the late Brad Ashford in 2016.
“We made history tonight,” Powell said. “Tonight, Nebraska’s second district became a key player in the fight to put hard-working Americans first, lowering costs, and putting an end to this senseless war in Iran.”
Powell thanked her family and campaign staff in addition to Harding and Tony Vargas, the treasurer-elect of Douglas County and Democratic candidate in the past two house elections, who she said “paved the way” for her.
“You helped send a clear message to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Nebraska will not play second fiddle to your billionaire money and your corrupt backdoor deals,” she said. “The strength of our democracy is not measured by our level of outrage, but by the courage of our convictions.”
Powell, a Democratic nonprofit organizer and political consultant, was heavily favored against Harding in polls, with prediction markets trading for Powell at over 90% and Cook Political listing the district is a “likely D” pickup.
Harding Conceded Early
Harding took the stage at 9 pm to concede the race, saying he wanted to tell his supporters that the race was over sooner rather than later. “I’m sorry I couldn’t lead the team to a better result,” he said. “But we have other races to win.”
Harding appeared emotional at moments during his speech, telling his supporters that he believed he had “put his best effort forward.” He acknowledged that he was running in a difficult political environment.
Harding said he is looking at another potential run for office, stating he believes “in my heart that I have a lot more to give to this district, and to this state, and to our country.”
Blue Dot Flips From Red
Nebraska’s “blue dot” had previously been carried by GOP Congressman Don Bacon for eight years despite the district breaking for Joe Biden by 6% in 2020 and Kamala Harris by 5% in 2024. Bacon was a frequent maverick vote and critic of the Trump Administration, having publicly committed to opposing the president’s agenda during Congress’ impending lame-duck session.
Powell’s campaign proved a flashpoint in the Democratic push to reclaim control of Congress, earning visits from 2028 presidential hopefuls Rahm Emanuel and Pete Buttigieg in addition to Hillary Clinton, who lost the district to Trump in 2016. Powell narrowly defeated Omaha state senator John Cavanaugh in a loaded Democratic primary.
Brinker Harding ran unopposed for the Republican nomination after Brett Lindstrom withdrew his candidacy to run a third-party ticket for governor. Harding received support from Bacon and House Majority Leader Mike Johnson, who campaigned for him early in the general election.
In October, the Congressional Leadership Fund withdrew $1 million in TV ads backing Harding after a Republican-commissioned National Public Affairs poll showed Powell up 12. Despite a decent fundraising total of $2.7 million for Harding, Powell also significantly outraised him, garnering over $5 million in donations.
The Omaha flip comes as Democrats looked poised to flip control of the House.
This is a developing story; check back for updates.
— John Gage is the executive editor of The Plains Sentinel.
— Lewis Thune is a College Fix writing fellow with The Plains Sentinel.