politics
Nebraska Holds Democratic Primary
Voters in Nebraska head to the polls Tuesday for Democratic primaries that will shape contests for an open U.S. House seat in the state's 2nd Congressional District and a U.S. Senate race. The House primary has centered on whether a leading candidate's potential win could allow Republicans to replace him in the state legislature and eliminate the district's split electoral vote system.
May 12, 1:16 PM·3m read5 sources
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Nebraska voters began heading to the polls Tuesday for Democratic primaries that will determine nominees for an open U.S. House seat in the Omaha-area 2nd Congressional District and for U.S. Senate. The 2nd District, known as the state's "blue dot" for awarding its electoral college vote to Democratic presidential candidates in three of the last five elections, is a top target for the party this midterm cycle.
Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon announced last year he would not seek re-election, creating the opening. Six Democrats are competing in the crowded primary, with state Sen. John Cavanaugh leading most polls. Political organizer Denise Powell and county clerk Crystal Rhoades are the other top contenders.
Omaha City Council member Brinker Harding is running unopposed for the Republican nomination.
the 'Blue Dot' Much of the Democratic primary fight has focused on the potential consequences if Cavanaugh wins the House seat. Nebraska is one of two states that awards an electoral college vote by congressional district rather than winner-take-all.
Republicans have tried multiple times, most recently in 2025, to change the system but fell short by two votes. If Cavanaugh wins in November, Republican Gov. Jim Pillen would appoint his replacement in the state legislature through 2028. Powell and Rhoades have argued that this could give Republicans the votes needed to pass a winner-take-all system, eliminating the blue dot.
Powell has received significant outside support, including from EMILY’s List. Advertising by campaigns and allied groups has topped $2.6 million since January, according to AdImpact, with the bulk supporting Powell or attacking Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh has pushed back, saying the attacks show both parties view him as the strongest general election candidate against Harding.
Former Nebraska Democratic Party executive director Paul Landow called the blue dot concerns disingenuous, noting Republicans already hold a filibuster-proof legislative majority but have failed to advance parts of their agenda.
