After three days of counting, The Associated Press on Wednesday morning declared liberal activist Denise Powell the winner of the hard-fought Democratic primary in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District (Omaha).
Powell — who has been likened to progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. — will face Republican Brinker Harding in a race that is sure to be watched nationally.
In five trips to the ballot, retiring GOP Rep. Don Bacon never managed to win with a greater margin than 51%. The race to succeed him is being watched nationwide as one of a handful of House contests that are considered truly competitive.
Along with the progressive EMILYs List (which supports women running for Congress who support abortion access), Powell raised more money than five rival Democrats with support from teachers unions and other labor organizations.
With nearly all votes counted, Powell edged out state Sen. Jack Cavanaugh, whose father, John J. Cavanaugh, represented the 2nd Congressional District from 1977 to 1981.
In contrast to the tumultuous Democratic primary, 2nd District Republicans settled on Harding, vice chair of the Omaha City Council.
President Donald Trump gave Harding his support early in the campaign.
"The divisive primary will also help Councilman Harding, a center-right, well-spoken, and mild-mannered official who served as my chief of staff," former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub told Newsmax.
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.
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