Nebraska Democratic Primary Becomes Fight Over the State’s “Blue Dot” Electoral Vote

The May 12 Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District pits state senator John Cavanaugh against political strategist Denise Powell. Both seek the open seat left by retiring Rep. Don Bacon.

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Nebraska splits five Electoral College votes, giving the 2nd District a single ‘Blue Dot’ that has voted Democratic. Powell warns that Cavanaugh’s election would force his resignation from the state senate, allowing Gov. Jim Pillen to appoint a Republican replacement who could end the Blue Dot. Cavanaugh argues Democrats can win enough other state seats to offset any loss and that the district’s vote remains safe.

CNNThe American Prospect

Outside spending exceeds $6 million, with independent expenditures total $3.265 million for Powell and against Cavanaugh; Cavanaugh received $272 000 from the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC. Pro-Choice Majority 2026 and New Democratic Majority each spent about $242 000, the latter rose after a reported DMFI transfer. Ads claim a Cavanaugh win could create a “MAGA supermajority” that would erase the Blue Dot.

The American Prospect

Powell says the Blue Dot safeguards representation. Cavanaugh’s website pledges he will stay in the state senate until January, preventing an immediate appointment, and asserts Nebraskans need not choose between opposing Trump and protecting the Blue Dot. Gov. Pillen reiterated his intent to reform the law. DMFI PAC denied any fund transfer, citing election-law compliance.

The American Prospect

Cavanaugh’s manager Katie Bartizal says Powell’s allies use secret spending that breaches her pledge to reject Israel-focused money. Nebraska state senators backed Cavanaugh, calling the focus on a single candidate disingenuous. Powell’s ads are labeled dark-money attacks, though she says she will not accept pro-Israel PAC support.

CNN

Local TV logs show DMFI halted its ad buy and moved money to New Democratic Majority; DMFI denies any transfer. Federal rules keep cash hidden until after the primary.

The American Prospect

• “We have fought so hard for fair representation, our Blue Dot, and to retain that electoral power,” — Denise Powell, Democratic candidate

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• “We stand with John Cavanaugh because we can protect the Blue Dot and existing abortion access, while sending a strong, experienced legislator to Congress,” — Six Nebraska state senators (open letter)

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• “It’s how a House win in Nebraska could cost Democrats the presidency,” — New Democratic Majority television ad announcer

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• “Voters across the district are being inundated with ads from Powell’s Trump-backed allies trying to win this district for her,” — Katie Bartizal, Cavanaugh campaign manager

The American Prospect

The Democratic nominee will be chosen on May 12 and will face unopposed Republican Brinker Harding in November, where the Blue Dot’s future will be contested.

CNN