District backed Harris while electing a Republican to the House
Republican Brinker Harding and Democratic activist Denise Powell are competing for the House seat left open by Rep. Don Bacon’s retirement. Harding is an Omaha City Councilmember, and Powell is a Democratic activist.
The district covers Omaha’s metropolitan area, which has more than 1 million residents, as well as more conservative suburbs. Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city.
Its recent voting history sets the district apart. It is one of eight nationwide that elected a Republican to the House while supporting Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris over Donald Trump two years ago.
The district’s presidential voting contrasts with Nebraska’s broader record. The state has backed Republican Donald Trump three times and has not supported a Democrat for president since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.
Trump addressed his support in Nebraska during a recent event in Washington. “Do they still like Trump in Nebraska? I think so,” the president said.
Omaha is also associated with steaks and with the Reuben sandwich’s birthplace, although New York disputes the latter claim.
Harding and Powell will compete as voters in Omaha and its suburbs choose a successor to Bacon.