Denise Powell is a Nebraska businesswoman, community advocate, and Democratic nominee for Congress in Nebraska’s 2nd District. A lifelong Nebraskan and working mother, Powell is running to bring practical leadership and community-focused problem solving to one of the most competitive House races in the country.
Powell’s background reflects the economic realities facing many Nebraska families. Raised in a working-class household, she built her career through hard work, eventually becoming a successful small business owner and advocate for healthcare access, public education, and economic opportunity. Her campaign is rooted in the belief that government should focus on helping families succeed—not political division or partisan extremism.
Her campaign priorities include:
- protecting reproductive freedom
- lowering costs for working families
- strengthening public education
- expanding access to affordable healthcare
- supporting small businesses and economic growth
- defending democratic institutions and voting rights
Throughout the primary campaign, Powell built a broad coalition across Omaha’s suburban communities, earning support from education advocates, women’s organizations, Latino community leaders, local elected officials, and national Democratic organizations including EMILY’s List.
Powell’s message proved especially effective with suburban and college-educated voters central to winning in NE-02, helping her secure the Democratic nomination in a race that quickly became one of the nation’s top congressional battlegrounds following Rep. Don Bacon’s retirement.
With Republicans now defending an open seat rather than an entrenched incumbent, Powell enters the general election with strong fundraising, coalition breadth, and a political profile well-suited for the evolving Omaha suburban electorate.
Now is the time to be brave and demand better for our state.