OMAHA — The competitive race for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District is heating up, with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson rallying support for Republican candidate Brinker Harding. Speaking at a packed event at WheatFields Eatery and Bakery, Johnson emphasized the importance of keeping the district in Republican hands and highlighted the “no-tax-on-tips” provision from the Trump administration’s tax legislation, the “One Big Beautiful Act.”
Johnson criticized Democratic candidate Denise Powell, suggesting she is out of touch with the district’s slightly conservative leanings. He framed the upcoming midterm elections as a choice between “common sense and crazy,” urging the crowd of about 100 to envision the “next chapter of America” in contrast to the leadership style of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The response was a resounding “no” from the audience, with Johnson adding, “I would rather it be like the heartland.”
With the seat open following Republican Representative Don Bacon’s decision not to run, Harding aims to thwart Democrats’ efforts to claim the Omaha-based district. Johnson’s visit marked his second campaign appearance in Nebraska, following previous support for Bacon in 2024 and 2023. Earlier this week, he addressed Iowa’s Christian conservatives, warning of a “spiritual battle” facing Republicans in November.
Endorsed by former President Donald Trump, Harding criticized Powell for allegedly representing only Democrats and pledged to serve all constituents equally, as he did on the City Council. “I work for everyone, Republicans, Democrats, Independents alike,” Harding stated. “That’s the same way I will treat my term in Congress.”
This week also saw former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visiting Omaha to endorse Powell. Historically, midterm elections pose challenges for the party controlling the White House, making predictions difficult in this slightly Republican-leaning district, which covers Douglas, Saunders, and part of Sarpy counties.
Despite the odds, Johnson expressed confidence in Republican gains during the midterms. Meanwhile, Meg Mandy, a senior advisor to Powell’s campaign, commented on Johnson’s visit: “It’s not surprising that Brinker would bend over backwards to welcome Mike Johnson to Nebraska.”
Mandy added, “Nebraskans have made it very clear that they are tired of this kind of political nonsense and that come November, they’re ready to send Denise Powell, a hardworking, fired-up mom with a track record of bringing people together to deliver change that actually makes people’s lives better, to represent them in Congress.”
Powell, during her event with Buttigieg, criticized Harding for aligning with the “MAGA label,” citing Trump’s endorsement. The 2nd District race also includes Libertarian Eric Michael Foreman and nonpartisan candidate Christopher J. Feuerbach, who is seeking ballot access according to the Secretary of State’s Office.
The general election is scheduled for November 3.
