Denise Powell
Denise Powell | |
|---|---|
| Member-elect of the U.S. House of Representatives from Nebraska's 2nd district | |
| Assuming office January 3, 2027 | |
| Succeeding | Don Bacon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Denise Blaya 1978/1979 (age 47–48) Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Miami (BS) |
| Website | Campaign website |
Denise Blaya Powell (born 1978/1979) is an American politician and political organizer from Nebraska.[1] She is the Democratic Party nominee for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district in the 2026 election.[2]
Political career
After attending the 2017 Women's March in Washington, D.C., Powell joined Leanne Prewitt in co-founding the political action committee Women Who Run Nebraska, aiming to train and advocate for women running for local office.[3][4]
In May 2025, Powell launched her campaign for the United States House of Representatives representing Nebraska's 2nd congressional district.[5] Surrounding much of Omaha and the surrounding metropolitan area, the district has been held by Republican Congressman Don Bacon since 2017, although it was won by Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Bacon announced his retirement on June 2025, leaving the seat open and creating a greater opportunity for Democrats.[6]
Powell faced a number of candidates in the May 2026 primary, including state senator John Cavanaugh and Douglas County district court clerk Crystal Rhoades.[7] Prior to election day on May 12, Nebraska Public Media found that the Democratic primary campaign attracted more than $5.6 million in outside spending, largely in support of Powell and opposing Cavanugh.[8] Powell was declared the winner of the primary the next day, May 13, narrowly defeating Cavanaugh with 38.8% of the vote. She is set to face Republican Brinker Harding, a member of the Omaha City Council, in the November general election.[9]
Personal life
Powell currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska. She has previously lived in Miami, New York City, and Los Angeles.[3]
References
- ↑ "Voter Guide: 2026 Primary Election". Nebraska Examiner. May 12, 2026. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ Breslow, Jason (May 14, 2026). "Denise Powell wins Democratic primary for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cates, Leah (March 31, 2021). "Nebraska's Progressive Women Fight for Their Place in Politics". The Reader. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ Ahlman, Austin (November 13, 2025). "Key Nebraska House Primary Features an Establishment Progressive and an Outsider Moderate". The American Prospect. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ Arena, Kassidy (May 1, 2025). "Democratic candidate announces run for Congress". Nebraska Public Media. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ Karni, Annie (June 27, 2025). "Don Bacon, House Republican Who Often Criticized Trump, Won't Seek Re-election". The New York Times. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Salinas, Juan II (July 21, 2025). "Crystal Rhoades jumps into crowded Nebraska 2nd District field". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
- ↑ Ashford, Molly (May 11, 2026). "Outside spending reaches fever pitch in Nebraska congressional primary as candidates spar over 'dark money'". Nebraska Public Media. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ Browning, Kellen (May 13, 2026). "Political Organizer Wins Democratic Primary in Key Nebraska House Race". The New York Times. ISSN 1553-8095. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
External links
- Denise Powell for Congress official website
| Unrecognised parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Don Bacon |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Nebraska's 2nd congressional district Taking office 2027 |
Elect |
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- Use mdy dates from March2026
- 1970s births
- 21st-century Nebraska politicians
- 21st-century United States representatives
- American politicians of Cuban descent
- American women politicians
- Democratic Party United States representatives from Nebraska
- Female United States representatives
- Hispanic and Latino American members of the United States Congress
- Hispanic and Latino American women in politics
- Nebraska Democrats
- University of Miami alumni
- Women in Nebraska politics
