NE-02 (Blue Dot) race Dems sound similar on Israel-Palestine, but subtle differences exist

[Omaha Steve]

Six candidates are vying to be the Democratic nominee in an open-seat race in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. Top row, from left: John Cavanaugh, Denise Powell and Crystal Rhoades. Bottom row, from left: Kishla Askins, Melanie Williams and Evangelos Argyrakis. (Candidate photos courtesy of respective campaigns | U.S. Capitol photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

Mudslinging continues in Nebraska’s Omaha-area congressional race, the state’s most competitive
By: Juan Salinas II - May 9, 2026 5:30 am

OMAHA — The six-person race for the Democratic nomination in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District has turned ugly as the primary approaches, including attacks about fundraising, leaving the statehouse — and now, the levels of American support for Israel, Israelis and the Palestinian people.

War in the Middle East has magnified the topic of Israel as a point of contention for some Democrats nationally, as an increasing base of people in the party questions the relationship between the U.S. and Israel during conflict between Israel and Hamas and the ongoing U.S.- Israeli war with Iran.

Nebraska Democrats saw that division locally last year when pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside of a downtown Omaha hotel while former President Joe Biden spoke in November at the Nebraska Democrats’ top annual fundraiser. It was one of his first major addresses since the 2020 election.

FULL story: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/05/09/ne-02-race-dems-sound-similar-on-israel-palestine-but-subtle-differences-exist/

The primary is this coming Tuesday, the 12th. Donation info below.

Both Cook Political Report and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball, two of the leading election forecast publications, have upgraded their ratings for Nebraska’s 2nd District from toss-up to leans Democratic. Making it a likely candidate for big spending as the GOP attempts to maintain or bolster its small majority, and Democrats try to take back control.

https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/house-race-ratings

https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2026-house/

The Cook Political Report wrote: “If Democrats don’t win Nebraska’s 2nd District next year, it’s almost impossible to see them taking control of the House.”


There are 5 Democrats that are running in the primary May 12th. The DU is neutral in all races between Democrats. That said, here are the five DU ActBlue links we have for the NE-2 primary Blue Dot race.

Democratic Underground for Melanie Williams (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/duforwilliams/

Democratic Underground for Denise Powell (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4denisepowell

Democratic Underground for John Cavanaugh (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4johncavanaugh

Democratic Underground for Crystal Rhoades (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4crystalrhoades

Democratic Underground for Kishla Askins (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4kishlaaskins

Democratic Underground for James Leuschen NE-2 has dropped out of the race.

Another candidate, Evangelos Argyrakis has no ActBlue page for a donation link and has dropped out of the race.

[Omaha Steve]

1. Kick