Omaha World-Herald Executive Editor Ben Doody sits down with Denise Powell, a Democratic candidate in the race for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district, to discuss her platform and other issues. The World-Herald plans to host more conversations with candidates throughout the 2026 midterms.
Leading into the May 12 Democratic primary in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, The World-Herald is holding extended, sit-down interviews with candidates.
Photos: Nebraska Young Democrats host forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates
Second Congressional District candidates; Kishla Askins, State Sen. John Cavanaugh, James Leuschen and Denise Powell listen to a question during a forum hosted by the Nebraska Young Democrats in Omaha, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Cale Johnson, Nebraska Young Democrats vice president, speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted by the Nebraska Young Democrats in Omaha, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
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State Sen. John Cavanaugh speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted by the Nebraska Young Democrats in Omaha, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
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Attendees watch on during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted by the Nebraska Young Democrats in Omaha, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
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Second Congressional District candidates; Kishla Askins, State Sen. John Cavanaugh, James Leuschen and Denise Powell listen to a question during a forum hosted by the Nebraska Young Democrats in Omaha, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
State Sen. John Cavanaugh speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted by the Nebraska Young Democrats in Omaha, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Kishla Askins speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted by the Nebraska Young Democrats in Omaha, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
James Leuschen speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted by the Nebraska Young Democrats in Omaha, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Denise Powell speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted by the Nebraska Young Democrats in Omaha, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Kishla Askins speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted by the Nebraska Young Democrats in Omaha, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.