Welcome to a special edition of At the Races! Throughout the 2026 primary season, watch for these updates from the CQ Roll Call campaign team on what you need to know for election day. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here.
By Daniela Altimari and Mary Ellen McIntire
The Democratic primary in Nebraska’s open 2nd District has drawn an influx of outside spending and concerns about how the outcome could affect the 2028 presidential contest.
The expensive and divisive battle pits labor-backed progressive state Sen. John Cavanaugh against political action committee co-founder Denise Powell. Several other Democrats are also on the ballot, including Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades and Navy veteran Kishla Askins. Although both have secured some high-powered endorsements, they trail in fundraising and face a more arduous path to the nomination.
The winner will take on Republican Brinker Harding, an Omaha City council member who does not face a primary opponent. Both parties say the November contest will be crucial to determining control of the House.
