Nebraska’s 2nd District House Race Heats Up with Powell Leading Fundraising Efforts
The race for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District is intensifying as Democrat Denise Powell emerges as the fundraising frontrunner. With a successful 2025 campaign, Powell, co-founder of Women Who Run Nebraska, a PAC supporting progressive women, raised $1.04 million and began 2026 with $624,760 in cash reserves, as per Federal Election Commission filings.
Republican contender Brinker Harding follows closely, having accumulated $876,929 in 2025 and entering the new year with $543,996 available. Harding, a member of the Omaha City Council since 2017, has garnered endorsements from key state Republicans, including Governor Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and incumbent Rep. Don Bacon. His campaign focuses on fiscal restraint, immigration reform, and tax relief for families and businesses.
Joining the Democratic roster is State Senator John Cavanaugh, who declared his candidacy in June. Cavanaugh raised $674,113 and began 2026 with $410,998. He aims to champion the interests of working families, veterans, and seniors while opposing former President Donald Trump’s policies.
Rep. Don Bacon, who has represented the district since 2017, narrowly retained his seat in the 2024 election against former State Sen. Tony Vargas. The Cook Political Report currently lists the 2026 race as a toss-up, underscoring the competitive nature of the contest.
Powell articulated her motivations in a December op-ed, stating, “I’m running for Congress because I believe Nebraskans deserve someone who knows what it’s like to balance work, family, and the chaos of everyday life.” Her campaign is centered on restoring trust and transparency in government.
The field of candidates includes six Democrats and one Republican vying for the seat, following Republican Brett Lindstrom’s recent withdrawal. Nebraska’s 2nd District encompasses all of Douglas and Saunders Counties and part of Sarpy County.
Statewide Campaigns in Nebraska: A Financial Overview
Elsewhere in Nebraska, Republican Governor Jim Pillen is significantly ahead in fundraising for his re-election bid, amassing $7.8 million in the fourth quarter alone, and commencing 2026 with over $10 million. His Democratic challenger, Lynne Walz, entered the race last month with $416,360 raised in the same period.
The Senate race sees Independent Dan Osborn challenging Republican Pete Ricketts. Osborn raised $2.12 million in 2025, starting 2026 with $575,663. Ricketts raised $3.6 million and holds $557,128 on hand.
In Nebraska’s other congressional districts, Republican Mike Flood leads in the 1st District with $1.2 million, while Republican Adrian Smith holds $1.3 million in the 3rd District at the onset of 2026.
