U.S. House of Representatives, Nebraska 2nd Congressional District

Denise Powell is a mom, business leader, public school champion, and health care advocate who knows what it takes to deliver a real win in Nebraska. Denise built a clear track record protecting Nebraska’s public schools and the families they serve, as well as helping stop far-right extremists from passing abortion bans in the state. Denise has gone toe-to-toe with MAGA before and won. Now, Denise is running to beat MAGA again in NE-02, an open seat that Vice President Kamala Harris won by nearly 5 points in 2024, and one that is key to Democrats retaking the House majority. Denise would be the first Latina to represent Nebraska in Congress and the first woman to represent NE-02.

Open seat

Powell understands that gun violence has directly or indirectly touched most Americans and has taken steps to fight for their safety. Women Who Run Nebraska has worked with gun safety advocates to push for commonsense gun safety legislation at the state level, and we know she will take that fight to Congress.

Based in Omaha, NE-02 is the state’s famous "blue dot" and a genuine Democratic flip opportunity now that Republican Rep. Don Bacon has retired. Democrat Denise Powell is running a strong campaign against Republican Omaha City Councilor Brinker Harding to claim this seat, and flipping it would not only add a House seat but could also again split Nebraska's Electoral College vote.

“On behalf of Nebraska small businesses, we are proud to endorse a slate of candidates who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing small business interests,” said Ryan McIntosh, NFIB Nebraska State Director. “The candidates we endorsed have a deep understanding of the small business landscape and will be reliable advocates for pro-Main Street policies in Congress. We look forward to working with these leaders to create an environment where independent businesses can continue to grow and create jobs.” “Nebraska small businesses are the foundation of the state’s economy,” said Louis Bertolotti, NFIB Political Director. “Electing legislators who prioritize independent businesses will allow owners to continue to operate and grow. These candidates have pledged to build on last year’s great win for Main Street: permanency for the 20% Small Business Deduction. We look forward to working with these pro-small business leaders in Washington.”

As Vice President of the Omaha City Council, Brinker Harding balanced the city budget every year, lowered the property-tax levy three times, and — rather than defund the police — delivered officers a record pay raise as violent crime fell to 40-year lows.

Endorsed by President Donald J. Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, Harding is a rock-solid America First conservative who will stand with the American Jewish community and the State of Israel in Congress.

Harding's opponent, Denise Powell, told a Nebraska Democratic forum that she would not accept support from any pro-Israel group — a position so egregious that Democratic Majority for Israel pulled its planned spending out of the race.