Denise Powell Wins Nebraska Congressional Seat as First Latina

Denise Powell Wins Nebraska Congressional Seat as First Latina

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Denise Powell, a Democrat, won Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, becoming the first woman and the first Latina to represent the state in the federal government, KETV reported. The victory flips a seat that Republicans have held since 2017.

Powell defeated Republican Brinker Harding and Libertarian Eric Foreman in Tuesday’s midterm election. Her win marks the first time Nebraska has sent a Democrat to Congress since Brad Ashford served from 2015 to 2017, a tenure that ended when Ashford lost to Don Bacon in the 2016 election.

Denise Powell, Brinker Harding, campaigns excited in Nebraska Congressional District 2 Race

Omaha’s District 2, often described as the state’s “blue dot” in a largely Republican state, will now be represented by a Democrat for the first time in nearly a decade.

Harding Concedes Race After Marathon Loss

Harding called Powell about 20 minutes after the race was called and officially conceded. “I called Denise about 20 minutes ago and wished her the best. Told her it wasn’t our night,” Harding said. He acknowledged the campaign’s July 1, 2025 start date, saying, “We are not going to be able to finish the marathon we started on July 1, 2025. Not tonight. But there’s another race.”

Harding did not specify which race he might pursue next. He said he remains engaged on Omaha’s City Council and will finish that term, adding, “I know I have more races in me.”

A Team Effort and a Message to Washington

Powell credited her supporters for the historic outcome. “This is a team effort and there’s no way we could’ve won this thing without all of you,” she said. “Not only did you help elect the first woman and first Latina to ever hold this seat, but you helped send a clear message to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.”

Nebraska CD-2 Republican candidate Brinker Harding concedes to Denise Powell

She framed the result as a rejection of economic hardship. “Nebraska families are struggling to pay bills and rent. They know things aren’t going in the right direction. Tonight, they chose common sense over chaos,” Powell said.

From Ballot Initiatives to the Capitol

Before her congressional run, Powell worked on 2024 ballot initiatives that expanded the minimum wage and established paid sick leave in Nebraska. While she is not a career politician, she pointed to that work as preparation for understanding local needs. “What you can’t learn is what makes Nebraskans tick. And I know that people in this district are looking for help right now,” she said.

A Seat That Has Changed Hands Before

Powell will take the seat previously held by Rep. Don Bacon, who served from 2017 until announcing he would not seek reelection.

Powell Details Diesel, Medicaid, ICE Focus

Powell outlined several immediate priorities for her tenure, including addressing the high costs stemming from the war in Iran and the rising price of diesel fuel. She also stressed the need to simplify Medicaid, urging a unified system to assist recipients.

Denise Powell wins Nebraska's District 2 seat

On immigration, Powell called for an overhaul of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a position she maintained throughout the campaign. “We can secure borders, and we can also make sure that we are opening pathways to folks who want to come to this country and be contributors to society,” she said.

With Harding conceding and Bacon stepping down, Powell now prepares to represent a district that has not had Democratic representation in the House for nearly ten years.

FULL VIDEO: Denise Powell delivers victory speech in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District

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