First-time candidate Denise Powell is on her way to being the Democratic nominee in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, where a multimillion-dollar ad blitz helped her knock off State Sen. John Cavanaugh in Tuesday's primary.
People are also reading…
Denise Powell, right, a 2nd Congressional District candidate talks to the media at her polling place at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. To the left is her husband, Hobson Powell.
Photos: 2026 Nebraska primary watch parties
Supporters mingle during a primary election watch party for Denise Powell at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Powell is running for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District.
A message supporting State Sen. John Cavanaugh is written on the mirror for the Nebraska primary watch party at Underwood Bar, 4918 Underwood Ave. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Jim Begley and Omaha City Council President Danny Begley check the first round of results at the State Sen. John Cavanaugh Nebraska primary watch party at Underwood Bar, 4918 Underwood Ave. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
People check their phones for the first round of results at the State Sen. John Cavanaugh Nebraska primary watch party at Underwood Bar, 4918 Underwood Ave. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Supporters mingle during a primary election watch party for Denise Powell at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Powell is running for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District.
Supporters cheer on during a primary election watch party for Denise Powell at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Powell is running for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District.
Denise Powell waves to supporters during a primary election watch party at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Denise Powell speaks during a primary election watch party at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Denise Powell speaks during a primary election watch party at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. At left is Powell's husband, Hobson Powell.
Denise Powell greets supporters during a primary election watch party at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
State Sen. John Cavanaugh greets his supporters at his Nebraska primary watch party at Underwood Bar, 4918 Underwood Ave. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
State Sen. John Cavanaugh talks to his supporters at his Nebraska primary watch party at Underwood Bar, 4918 Underwood Ave. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
State Sen. John Cavanaugh enters his Nebraska primary watch party at Underwood Bar, 4918 Underwood Ave. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Tim Conn, left, talks with State Sen. John Cavanaugh as Cavanaugh’s Nebraska primary watch party at Underwood Bar, 4918 Underwood Ave. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
State Sen. John Cavanaugh talks to his supporters at his Nebraska primary watch party at Underwood Bar, 4918 Underwood Ave. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
State Sen. John Cavanaugh Nebraska primary watch party at Underwood Bar, 4918 Underwood Ave. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
State Sen. John Cavanaugh talks to his supporters at his Nebraska primary watch party at Underwood Bar, 4918 Underwood Ave. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
State Sen. John Cavanaugh greets his supporters at his Nebraska primary watch party at Underwood Bar, 4918 Underwood Ave. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Supporters gather around a laptop with election results for Nebraska's second congressional district during a primary election watch party for Denise Powell at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Hobson Powell cheers on as his wife, Denise Powell, takes the lead in the Democratic primary for Nebraska's second congressional district, during a primary election watch party at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Denise Powell speaks during a primary election watch party at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Powell is poised to win the Democratic primary for Nebraska's second congressional district.
Denise Powell speaks during a primary election watch party at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Powell is poised to win the Democratic primary for Nebraska's second congressional district.
Denise Powell speaks during a primary election watch party at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Powell is poised to win the Democratic primary for Nebraska's second congressional district.
Denise Powell speaks during a primary election watch party at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Powell is poised to win the Democratic primary for Nebraska's second congressional district.
Denise Powell speaks during a primary election watch party at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Powell is poised to win the Democratic primary for Nebraska's second congressional district.
Supporters cheer on as Denise Powell speaks during a primary election watch party at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Powell is poised to win the Democratic primary for Nebraska's second congressional district.
