OMAHA- The first campaign-released poll in the crowded race for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District shows State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha with an early lead and wide name recognition among Democrats likely to vote in the May 2026 primary.

Results from an earlier poll by Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades also showed Cavanaugh leading the race, but with Rhoades only a few points behind. The two candidate polls provide an early glimpse at the standings in the race to win the Democratic nomination in May and eventually vie for the seat in November.

With no incumbent running in the deeply purple district, the race has already drawn big dollars and a lot of attention — it's the only one major pollsters have identified as leaning towards a flip.

Mark Johnston, 69, told the Nebraska Examiner this week that he has withdrawn from the race for the Democratic nomination. Johnston said he lacks the infrastructure to raise funds and feels Democrats have an “extremely good chance” of winning the open seat with the number of candidates running. Johnson is a retired eye surgeon in Omaha.

For the full article on John Cavanaugh, click HERE.

For the full article on Mark Johnston’s withdrawal, click HERE.