OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Denise Powell won the Democratic primary in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in a contest focused on the state's 'blue dot' status in presidential elections.
The Omaha-area district, where Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon is seeking re-election, has become a key battleground due to its unique electoral vote allocation. Nebraska awards one electoral vote per congressional district, and the 2nd District has voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in recent elections, earning it the 'blue dot' nickname.
Powell, a former state senator, defeated primary challenger Ann Ashford, a lawyer and former congressional candidate. Powell will face Bacon in the November general election, a race that could influence control of the U.S. House.
The primary results were called by The Associated Press shortly after polls closed. Voter turnout was moderate, with the district's Democratic voters energized by the presidential race and local issues.
