Nebraska Holds Democratic Primary

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.

In the Democratic U.S.

Senate primary, Cindy Burbank, a retired pharmacy technician, and William Forbes, a pastor, are competing. Pete Ricketts and urged voters to support Burbank in the primary so she can drop out and avoid splitting the anti-Ricketts vote. Burbank has said she will exit the race if she wins the nomination, clearing the path for Osborn.

Her campaign has accused Forbes of being a plant by Ricketts to draw votes from Osborn in November. Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb posted on social media urging a vote for Burbank to prevent the "Ricketts candidate" from advancing. The Ricketts campaign has denied the accusations.

Forbes, who has voted for President Trump and opposes abortion access, has insisted his candidacy is in good faith. Osborn, a former labor leader, lost to Sen. Deb Fischer by six points in 2024 and has raised over $3.8 million this year for his independent bid.

Ricketts has raised over $4.8 million. " — Cindy Burbank (The New York Times) Nebraska has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2006. Osborn is not on the Tuesday ballot as he runs as an independent and must gather signatures by Aug. 3 to qualify for November.

The Nebraska races come as Democrats seek to regain control of the U.S. House in a cycle expected to challenge Republicans. The Cook Political Report has described the 2nd District as leaning Democratic and a prime pickup opportunity. The winner of Tuesday's primary will face Harding in what is expected to be a competitive general election.

Republicans cleared their field for the House race while facing primary challenges in the Senate and gubernatorial contests. Shelley Moore Capito seeking re-election against five challengers. The outcome of Nebraska's Democratic primaries will set the stage for contests that could influence both the state's electoral college system and its congressional delegation.