LINCOLN — Six candidates are competing for the Democratic nomination in Nebraska’s open 2nd Congressional District ahead of the May 12 primary, and recent Federal Election Commission filings show fundraising is tightening among the top contenders. State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha raised more in the fourth quarter of 2025 than business owner and PAC co-founder Denise Powell, reporting about $343,600 compared with Powell’s roughly $305,300. Although Powell still leads overall in total funds raised and cash on hand entering 2026, she trails both Cavanaugh and Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades in local name recognition and polling. Other Democratic hopefuls, including Navy veteran Kishla Askins and former congressional staffer James Leuschen, also reported substantial fundraising, while Evangelos Argyrakis hasn’t yet filed financial figures.

The Republican side has also seen movement: former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom recently exited the GOP primary, leaving Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding as the likely Republican nominee, who reported raising over $315,000 with more than $540,000 on hand. Cavanaugh’s campaign emphasized his growing fundraising momentum, while Powell argues her cumulative haul positions her as best equipped to flip the district Democratic. Meanwhile, Rhoades has focused on grassroots voter engagement over large-scale fundraising. National experts view Nebraska’s 2nd District—a diverse and politically divided area—as a potential Democratic pickup with incumbent Republican Rep. Don Bacon retiring.

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