Nebraska congressional race focuses on affordability

In Nebraska’s second congressional district, Republican Brinker Harding and Democrat Denise Powell are competing to succeed incumbent Don Bacon, who announced he will not seek reelection. The race is viewed as a key opportunity for Democrats seeking to retake control of the U.S. House.

Both candidates have centered their campaigns on the issue of affordability, though they propose different strategies to combat rising costs. Harding, a commercial real estate professional, advocates for year-round E15 ethanol gasoline blends to lower fuel prices, lowering prescription drug costs through ‘Most Favored Nation’ pricing, and increasing domestic cattle production to address grocery prices. He also supports preventing illegal immigrants from receiving federal welfare benefits.

Powell, a small business owner, is focusing on capping healthcare costs, investing in education programs such as Head Start, and ending the Trump administration’s tariff policies to mitigate economic pressure.