0:00
The stage is now set for one of the most watched house races in the country, Nebraska's so-called Blue Dot
0:09
Democratic activist Denise Powell has won the primary in Omaha's 2nd Congressional District, edging out State Senator John Kavanaugh in a close race
0:18
The seat is seen as a major pickup opportunity for Democrats. The district backed Kamala Harris in 2024 and has become known nationally as the Blue Dot in a predominantly red state
0:29
Nebraska is one of two states that splits its electoral votes by congressional district
0:34
instead of using a winner-take-all system. And that electoral vote system became a central issue in the primary
0:41
Powell's supporters argued that if Kavanaugh won the House seat, Republican Governor Jim Pillen could appoint a replacement to his state Senate seat
0:49
potentially giving Republicans a supermajority and more room to target the Blue Dot system itself
0:55
Powell now moves on to face Republican Brinker Harding and Omaha City Councilmember backed by President Trump
