PACs spend millions in Nebraska's CD2 Democratic primary

Source: Omaha World Herald

Josh Reyes 1 hr ago

Political action committees have pumped cash into the Democratic primary for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, spending more than $3 million this April on advertising involving Denise Powell and State Sen. John Cavanaugh, according to a World-Herald review of Federal Election Commission filings.

That April spending is more than the two candidates' combined total fundraising over the course of their respective campaigns. Powell announced her run in May and has raised about $1.5 million, the most in the field of six Democrats. Cavanaugh launched in June and is second in fundraising, drawing about $1 million.

Some ads, both from Powell and from PACs, have focused heavily on a point that Powell has joined Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades to raise — the potential consequences of losing Cavanaugh's legislative seat to a Republican.

Republicans hold 33 of 49 seats in the Nebraska Legislature, a supermajority. But defectors have helped Democrats stave off controversial proposals, like going to winner-take-all in presidential elections or greater limits on abortion. Half the seats in the Legislature are up for election.


Candidates Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, Kishla Askins, State Sen. John Cavanaugh, Denise Powell, Crystal Rhoades and Melanie Williams participate in a forum hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Read more: http://archive.today/fpRF9

---

Original PAY link: https://omaha.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/article_8f41751a-d7b0-41ce-952c-5942301c74c9.html

Our first 6 links for the 2026 mid-term primary 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 are 5 Democrats that are running in the primary May 12th. The DU is neutral in all races between Democrats. That said, here are the five DU ActBlue links we have for the NE-2 primary Blue Dot race.

Democratic Underground for Melanie Williams (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/duforwilliams/

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 has dropped out of the race.

Another candidate, Evangelos Argyrakis has no ActBlue page for a donation link and has dropped out of the race.