Interested Parties,
We wanted to share a brief State of the Race update as the race picks up and our campaign continues to build momentum on the ground.
In The News
“The future of Nebraska’s ‘blue dot’ electoral vote becomes an issue in one key midterm race”
“Republicans see a big opportunity in crowded Democratic primaries”
NE-02 is gaining national attention as voters and politicos alike realize the serious potential implications of the outcome of the Democratic primary if Powell is not the nominee. NBC News and Washington Post both detailed this in articles this past week.
Denise also recently authored an op-ed in the Omaha World Herald laying out her perspective on immigration and accountability, reinforcing her leadership on this issue. This follows her first published op-ed, detailing her plans to confront greed and corruption in Washington.
Fundraising
Denise raised over $1 million in 2025 — the only candidate of either party to reach that milestone last year. Nebraska Public Media recently highlighted her fundraising strength, noting “Democrat Denise Powell leads on fundraising in a crowded 2nd District House race”.
This support comes from more than 4,500 individual donors, a clear demonstration that this campaign is powered by grassroots energy and broad enthusiasm.
We also finished the latest reporting period with $625,000 cash on hand, the highest of anyone in the primary, putting us in a great position to get Denise’s message out ahead of the primary election in May.
Endorsements & Coalition Building
Our coalition continues to grow at every level. Denise was proud to finish out 2025 with endorsements from:
- CHC BOLD PAC
- EMILYs List
- Elect Democratic Women
- The Bench
- Rep. Andrea Salinas
- Rep. Norma Torres
- Rep. Emily Randall
- Former NE-02 Democratic Nominee Tony Vargas
- Former NE Gubernatorial Nominee Chuck Hassebrook
In total, Denise has earned over 50 local and national endorsements — more than any other candidate in the race. These leaders recognize both her strength as a candidate and her ability to flip this district.
On The Trail
On the campaign trail, including more than 20 events in the last few months, voters consistently share their concerns over ICE’s clear abuse of power. From murdering Americans in broad daylight, racially profiling entire communities and deporting people without due process, the Trump Administration is out of control. Denise was the first candidate in this race to call for Secretary Noem’s impeachment— and as the daughter of immigrants and an advocate for immigrant families in Nebraska, she is the only candidate who understands this issue personally and can speak to it from lived experience.
Denise isn’t just reacting to the moment — she is leading on one of the most pertinent issues of this election.
Standing with Working Families
This campaign is rooted in solidarity with working people. Denise recently joined Teamsters Local 554 on the picket line as they strike for better wages and benefits against a company attempting to bust their union. She will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with workers fighting for dignity and fairness.
The Bottom Line
We are leading in fundraising.
We are leading with cash-on-hand.
We are leading in endorsements.
We are building the broadest coalition in the race.
The momentum is real, the path is clear, and we are positioned to win.
Ryan Longenecker
Campaign Manager, Denise Powell for Congress (NE-02)
