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◆ Mixed look for PowellHealthcareEconomy

This rare Nebraska district backed Harris but sent a Republican to Congress. Can Democrats win here?

Powell is challenging Harding and argues that concerns about affordability and checks and balances resonate with voters.

This rare Nebraska district backed Harris but sent a Republican to Congress. Can Democrats win here?
Image · Winnipeg Free Press

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Outlet credibilityWinnipeg Free Press91/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Sep 29, 2026

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Cites Associated Press

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Associated Press97/100 HIGH

453 stories · 96–97 · updated Sep 30, 2026

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Winnipeg Free Presscites Associated Press
Aug 22, 2026
tl;dr

Republican Brinker Harding and Democrat Denise Powell are competing for Nebraska’s open 2nd District seat, where voters backed Kamala Harris for president but elected a Republican to the House. The article examines how local voter sentiment and Donald Trump’s involvement could shape the race.

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Democratic candidate for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Republican candidate for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District

Harding's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose endorsement and campaign activity feature in the congressional race

Trump's version of this story ↗
Don Bacon
R · NE-2

Retiring representative whose prior approach to the district is contrasted with Harding’s

Mike Johnson
R · LA-4

Speaker who campaigned for Harding

Pete Hegseth
R · Secretary of Defense

Defense secretary whom Bacon criticized

Michael Lawler
R · NY-17

Representative cited as a Republican Trump campaigned with in a targeted district

Political activist who organized a neighborhood sign effort

Tom Barrett
R · MI-7

Representative cited as a Republican Trump campaigned with in a targeted district

Kamala Harris
Former U.S. Senator (D-CA)

Democratic presidential nominee whom the district supported

Representative described as facing a possible toss-up reelection contest

Steve Scalise
R · LA-1

Majority Leader who campaigned for Harding

Former transportation secretary who campaigned with Powell

Representative who appeared with Trump in Pennsylvania

Zachary Nunn
R · IA-3

Representative described as facing a possible toss-up reelection contest

Representative facing reelection who appeared with Trump

ALSO MENTIONED  Barack Obama, Former president mentioned in connection with Emanuel’s past White House role; Derreck Van Orden, Representative whose Wisconsin district Trump visited; Mary Jane Truemper, Head of the Nebraska Republican Party who supports Harding and criticizes Powell’s political direction; Rahm Emanuel, Former Chicago mayor who campaigned with Powell; Zohran Mamdani, New York mayor referenced in a voter’s comment about the Democratic Party

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