By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democrat-denise-powell-wins-election-to-u-s-house-in-nebraskas-2nd-congressional-district Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Democrat Denise Powell wins election to U.S. House in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District Politics Nov 4, 2026 12:23 AM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check Democrat Denise Powell won election Tuesday to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, defeating Republican Brinker Harding. LIVE RESULTS: Nebraska Senate midterm election Powell flipped a district that Democrats have been targeting for several election cycles. It's one of just a few districts nationally that elected a Republican for Congress two years ago while also supporting Kamala Harris for president. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News Powell is a Democratic activist and cofounder of a political action committee called Women Who Run Nebraska, which recruits and supports female candidates. Her opponent, Harding, has served on the Omaha City Council since 2017. The Associated Press declared…
Democrat Denise Powell wins election to U.S. House in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District
In short
The Associated Press officially called the race on Tuesday late at night following a closely watched campaign. Denise Powell prevailed over Republican challenger Brinker Harding, who has served on the Omaha City Council since 2017. Powell entered the race with a background as an activist and cofounder of Women Who Run Nebraska, a political action committee focused on recruiting female candidates. Her win successfully flips the battleground district after multiple election cycles of Democratic efforts.
Key points
- Democrats succeeded in flipping a battleground congressional seat they had targeted over…: Democrats succeeded in flipping a battleground congressional seat they had targeted over multiple past election cycles.
- The district represents an unusual political battleground that previously backed Kamala H…: The district represents an unusual political battleground that previously backed Kamala Harris while electing a Republican lawmaker.
- Powell's victory transitions her from leading candidate recruitment efforts to serving di…: Powell's victory transitions her from leading candidate recruitment efforts to serving directly in the U.S. House.