Powell leads NE-02 Dems in fundraising, chasing name ID of elected foes (Blue Dot)

[Omaha Steve]

A “Proud Nebraska Democrats” sign display at the Nebraska Democratic Party booth at the Nebraska State Fair on Aug 29, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

Campaigns note part of her haul is reserved for general election
By: Juan Salinas II - October 29, 2025 3:06 pm

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/29/powell-leads-ne-02-dems-in-fundraising-chasing-name-id-of-elected-foes/

OMAHA — Business owner and political action committee co-founder Denise Powell once again led fundraising in the crowded Democratic field for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District.

Combined, the six Democrats running brought in $1.03 million this quarter, hinting at how expensive the primary election will be, and the general to follow.

The race to represent the Omaha-based 2nd District is typically competitive. But with U.S. Rep. Don Bacon retiring, Democrats feel optimistic about picking up a win in the midterms, when the political party out of power typically gains ground. The open-seat race plays a major role in national Democrats’ hopes of regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.


Six candidates are vying to be the Democratic candidate for an open seat in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. Top row, from left: Denise Powell, Crystal Rhoades and John Cavanaugh. Bottom row, from left: Kishla Askins, James Leuschen and Evangelos Argyrakis. (Candidate photos courtesy of respective campaigns | U.S. Capitol photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

Powell, State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades, Navy veteran Kishla Askins, former congressional staffer James Leuschen and Evangelos Argyrakis are vying to be the Democratic nominee.

FULL story at link above.

The DU has raised OVER $3.5 MILLION for Democratic candidates over the years!

Our first 5 links for the 2026 mid-term cycle are in (Omaha) the Blue Dot.

Both Cook Political Report and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball, two of the leading election forecast publications, have upgraded their ratings for Nebraska’s 2nd District from toss-up to leans Democratic. Making it a likely candidate for big spending as the GOP attempts to maintain or bolster its small majority, and Democrats try to take back control.

https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/house-race-ratings

https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2026-house/

The Cook Political Report wrote: “If Democrats don’t win Nebraska’s 2nd District next year, it’s almost impossible to see them taking control of the House.”


There will be at least 6 Democrats that will be running in the primary next May. The DU is neutral in all races between Democrats. That said, here are the five DU ActBlue links we have so far for the NE-2 primary Blue Dot race.

Democratic Underground for Denise Powell (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4denisepowell

Democratic Underground for John Cavanaugh (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4johncavanaugh

Democratic Underground for Crystal Rhoades (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4crystalrhoades

Democratic Underground for Kishla Askins (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4kishlaaskins

Democratic Underground for James Leuschen NE-2 https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4leuschen

A sixth candidate (Evangelos Argyrakis) has no ActBlue page for a donation link: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220506044