Donate to hold the Democratic Majority in the U.S. Senate. Support Ruben Gallego (AZ), Elissa Slotkin (MI), Sherrod Brown (OH), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Jon Tester (MT) and Jacky Rosen (NV). We must close the gap in the Senate! The Senate currently has 45 Democrats, 53 Republicans and 2 Independents who caucus with Democrats. Senate control IS within reach if we successfully defend Democrat seats and flip Ohio, Maine, North Carolina and Alaska – all very competitive races supported by FM. We need a Senate that will work with a Democratic House to address issues that matter- from affordability and health care to sensible immigration policy, voting rights, social justice and climate change. We need a Senate that will check the worst instincts of Trump in making Supreme Court Justice nominations and waging illegal wars of choice. We need a Senate that helps restore our faith in the promise and potential of democracy. The Force Multiplier Senate Slate* Our slate focuses on seven seats: three we need to defend, and four we hope to flip. Click on the photos below to learn more about each candidate or make a donation to an individual candidate. Click on the donate button below to donate to all seven. Alaska Fmr. Rep. Mary Peltola Challenger Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff Incumbent New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas (NH 01) Open Seat Maine Graham Platner Challenger Michigan Michigan Senate nominee fund Primary August 4 North Carolina Fmr. Gov. Roy Cooper Challenger Ohio Fmr. Sen. Sherrod Brown Open Seat DONATE We do the research so you don't have to. *Force Multiplier slates are regularly reassessed based on the competitiveness and funding needs of each race. Candidates may be added or removed so that donations are directed where they will have the most impact at a particular point in the election cycle. In states that have not yet held primaries, we are recommending Act Blue nominee funds, which will be held in escrow until the winner of a primary has been declared. Senate Slate Ancho

Chris Pappas New Hampshire Open Senate seat DONATE to the FM Senate Slate DONATE to Chris's Campaign • Return to the Senate Slate I’m running for Senate because at this pivotal moment, our economy, our democracy, and our way of life are on the line. New Hampshire deserves a Senator who is grounded in the people, places, and values of this state. Granite Staters know my record of taking on the big fights and looking out for them- pushing for tax cuts for working families and small businesses, taking on predatory companies and corporate polluters, and standing up to Big Pharma to lower drug costs. Our country is at a crossroads, and the decisions we make now will have generational impacts. You can count on me to continue taking on big fights and to confront the Trump Administration, self-dealing billionaires, and extreme politicians who are threatening our future and our ability to get things done for New Hampshire. (Campaign Announcement. YouTube. 4/3/25) To hear directly from Rep. Pappas, watch this short video: Chris Pappas calls Scott Brown "pathetic..." BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE Chris Pappas has represented New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District since 2019, recognized by the Lugar Center in ‘23 as the third most bipartisan Democrat in Congress. Representing one of the nation’s most competitive districts, he has built a reputation as a pragmatic problem solver. Pappas is running to succeed retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who has endorsed him. A New Hampshire native, he first worked on Shaheen’s gubernatorial campaign while in high school. After earning a BA in government from Harvard, he returned to Manchester to help run his family’s restaurant. He served in the New Hampshire House (2002–2006) and on the Executive Council (2007–2019) before his election to Congress. Known for results-driven leadership, Pappas has focused on veterans’ affairs, infrastructure, healthcare, community development, reproductive rights, and protecting Social Security and Medicare. In Congress, he is ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Pappas is the first openly gay man to represent New Hampshire in Congress. He lives in Manchester with his husband, Vann. ON THE ISSUES Defending democracy and standing up to political extremism and special interests Expanding access to affordable healthcare Combating the opioid epidemic Creating jobs and lowering costs for working families Investing in infrastructure and clean energy Advancing LGBTQ+ rights, equality, and reproductive freedom Building bipartisan solutions to critical challenges NEW HAMPSHIRE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE Nationally, New Hampshire is generally considered a moderate “swing” state. There are two declared Republican candidates for this open seat. These are Scott Brown, former US Senator (MA) and Ambassador; and former US Senator (NH) John E. Sununu. They are expected to compete in the 9/8/2026 New Hampshire primary. The Senate race is expected to be highly competitive. As of August 9, both the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball rate the race Lean Democrat—competitive, but with a slight advantage for Pappas.

NJ 07 Nominee Fund Democratic Nominee DONATE to the FM House Slate DONATE to NJ-07 Nominee Fund • Return to the House Slate NJ 07 Primary June 2 Several Democrats are vying to unseat two-term incumbent Republican Thomas Kean Jr.: Rebecca Bennett, Megan ORourke, Michael Roth, Tina Shah, and Brian Varela, with the front runners appearing to be Rebecca Bennett and Brian Varela. Kean defeated Susan Altman by 5.2% in 2024. NJ 07 is generally viewed as a swing or purple district. In 2020, President Biden carried it by 4% and in 2024 Harris carried it by 5.9%. Both The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball currently rate this race as Toss-up.

Graham Platner Maine Challenger DONATE to the FM Senate Slate DONATE to Graham's Campaign • Return to the Senate Slate “This race has never been about me or really about one person. It’s about a movement of working Mainers who are fed up with being robbed by billionaires and the politicians who own them. We are now taking back our power. That is what this campaign is. ” (Reported by Kevin Miller, Maine Public Radio, 4/30/26) “We do not live in a system that is broken. We live in a system that is functioning exactly as is intended. We live in a system that has been built by the political class to enrich and support billionaires, on the backs of working people.” (Rolling Stone, 9/2/25) “I view most of my job as a US Senator as to do two things: one, to ban billionaires buying elections; two, to dismantle the ‘billionaire economy’ in favor of an economy that works for the American worker, for small businesses , for the vast majority of Americans.” (Platner campaign website) To hear directly from Mr. Platner, watch this short video: Here's What We Need To Do To Save Our Democracy BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE Graham Platner is an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps which included three combat tours in Iraq. After Iraq he joined the Maryland National Guard and was deployed in Afghanistan. Platner worked in the U.S. State Department as a security contractor before returning to his hometown of Sullivan, Maine in 2019 to work as an oyster farmer. There he became active in community affairs addressing social justice issues on the local planning board as Harbormaster. He and his wife Amy own and operate the Waukeag Neck Oyster Co in the same town. ON THE ISSUES Graham Platner is a progressive populist focused on how government and public policy affect everyday Americans. He is focused on correcting the disastrous economic consequences of actions by the current White House administration for normal Americans. Austin Ahlman of The American Prospect described Platner’s political views as “anti-establishment, anti-corporate and distinctly localist.” Platner’s priorities include making basic needs more affordable, establishing universal health care, and ending U.S. involvement in overseas wars. He also supports higher taxes on extreme wealth and expanded support for working Americans. POLITICS IN MAINE First elected to the Senate in 1997, Maine Republican Susan Collins is running for re-election to a sixth term. Collins is the only Republican senator representing one of the 19 states that Donald Trump lost in all three presidential campaigns. In 2020, Collins defeated Democrat Sara Gideon by 8.5% in what many expected to be a closer race. Platner was in a primary with popular Maine Democratic Governor Janet T. Mills until she dropped out of the race on May 1. Mills’ decision to exit is largely seen as an acknowledgement of Platner’s strength as an anti-establishment, populist newcomer. As of May 3rd, both The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball rate this race as Toss Up, indicating that neither party currently has the advantage.

Our Democracy is worth defending. Force Multiplier’s Defending Democracy Fund Good people are doing good work to help defend Democracy, the Constitution and the Rule of Law. The courts are on the frontlines in the battle to defend democracy. Force Multiplier has done the research to bring you the preeminent groups in this battle where your support can have the most impact. The three litigation groups in the Defending Democracy Fund are leading the charge, working together + separately, to bring lawsuits that challenge the administration’s unconstitutional actions, defend the rule of law, the separation of powers, the free press and free, fair elections. These are non-profit groups whose limited staff are now seriously strained and need support! DONATE One click supports three groups: Democracy Forward, Public Citizen, and the State Democracy Defenders Fund. Your donation is tax-deductible. If you have a donor advised fund or other restricted funds from which you can make a charitable contribution, please email us for more information. HOW THE COURTS ARE DEFENDING DEMOCRACY Public Citizen's Strategy in the Courts and Streets May 7, 2025 Robert Weissman , Co-President Q&A Session | May 7, 2025 Robert Weissman and Anne Weisberg WHO IS DEFENDING DEMOCRACY? Experts Present Their Strategies | March 26, 2025 Norm Eisen , Board Chair, State Democracy Defenders Fund Skye Perryman , President and CEO, the Democracy Forward Foundation Q&A Session | March 26, 2025 Jeremy Paul , Constitutional Law Professor The three groups in the Defending Democracy Fund: Democracy Forward Chaired by Marc Elias, Democracy Forward Foundation is holding the Trump-Vance administration accountable in the courts by providing free representation and filing and winning lawsuits on behalf of unions, nonprofit organizations, veterans groups, houses of worship and more. It has filed more than 25 legal actions since January 20 and counting, securing major wins and bringing together a unique coalition of more than 400 organizations to address the Administration’s harmful policies impacting the American people Public Citizen Founded in 1971, Public Citizen defends democracy and fights to ensure that government works for the people, not big corporations. It brings suits when the government fails to do its job and petitions regulatory agencies to safeguard the public. Since Trump’s inauguration, they have brought cases to protect information DOGE is trying to access and to stop the freeze on foreign aid as a violation of separation of powers, which was favorably decided by the US Supreme Court. Public Citizen has called for an investigation into Trump’s promotion of his “Official Trump Meme,” a probable violation of federal law that forbids the president from soliciting gifts. They Co-chair a coalition of legal, good government and grassroots groups combating attacks on the rule of law. State Democracy Defenders Fund Chaired by founder Amb. Norm Eisen (ret), State Democracy Defenders Fund is leading the fight to stop the assault on our democracy, defend the rule of law and end corruption. They have sued to overturn illegal terminations of federal workers and have secured a victory for them and are suing to stop Musk & DOGE from accessing citizens private information and from continuing their unconstitutional assault on federal employees and programs. DONATE

Elaine Luria Virginia 02 Challenger DONATE to the FM House Slate DONATE to Elaine's Campaign • Return to the House Slate "I cannot sit back and watch as Republicans in Congress create chaos while failing to address the rising cost of living and the issues that matter to Coastal Virginians. “Virginians are hungry for change, and I look forward to getting back to work for Hampton Roads to make life more affordable for working families, grow our economy, cut health care costs, and strengthen our military." (Campaign Announcement, NPR- VPM News Morning Monitor, 11/12/25) To hear directly from Candidate Luria, watch this short video: Elaine Luria launches campaign to run for Virginia's 2nd District BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE Elaine Luria served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023. Before that, she was in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. where she rose to the rank of Commander. As a naval officer, Luria was an engineer who operated nuclear reactors. She led a combat–ready unit of 400 sailors for about three years. Luria’s war zone deployments and commanding officer service were invaluable on the House Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs committees and will inform her work when Democrats retake the House. Luria was one of the original members appointed to the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol in 2021. She and Rep. Adam Kinzinger co-led the eighth public hearing in July 2022 after which Luria lost her House seat. While the federal government was in partial shutdown, Luria said that she had asked for her salary to be withheld until federal workers were paid in January 2019. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Elaine Luria received a BS degree from the United States Naval Academy and an MS from Old Dominion University. She completed training at the United States Naval Power School. Luria and her husband Robert have one child. ON THE ISSUES In Congress, Luria’s work championing a strong military consistently led to increased defense budgets. She was instrumental in passing legislation improving access to health care for veterans with conditions related to toxic exposure, like burn pits. She was a consistent voice for state-of-the-art nuclear technology, working to pass bipartisan legislation to field advanced reactor demonstration projects. As a member of Congress, Rep. Luria was consistently lauded as one of the most bipartisan legislators and as as the “most effective” freshman member of the House. (Institute of Politics and Public Service) Now Luria is dedicated to working both sides of aisle to address “the high cost of everything.” (AP Archive You Tube video) POLITICS IN VIRGINIA Virginia is usually seen as a blue slate in presidential elections having not elected a Republican president since 2004 or a Republican senator since 2002. Of the state's 11-seat House of Representatives delegation, six are Democrats. Democrats are actively pursuing a congressional redistricting plan that might increase their delegation to a 10-1 majority – assuming the plan is approved in time to apply in this November’s elections. Elaine Luria defeated Republican incumbent Scott Taylor in 2018 and again in 2020 before losing to Republican Jen Kiggans in ‘22. She will face Kiggans again this year. Traditionally, a swing District, VA 02 is now considered one of the most competitive districts in the nation. Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball currently rate this race as Toss-up.

Bob Brooks Pennsylvania 07 Challenger DONATE to the FM House Slate DONATE to Bob's campaign • Return to the House Slate “I’m running for Congress because Washington doesn’t give a damn about working people and it’s time for that to change. Congressman Mackenzie hasn’t held a real job in his life and sells out Pennsylvania working families every chance he gets- he voted this summer to kick thousands of our neighbors off their health care.” (Politico, 8/26/25) “I’ve got into this for the people I’ve worked alongside my whole life. There are not enough working-class people in Congress.” (International Association of Firefighters All News, 8/29/25) To hear directly from candidate Brooks, watch this short video: 2026 Primary: Live with Bob Brooks BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE Bob Brooks was a professional firefighter in Bethlehem, PA for 20 years and was President of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association. In this capacity, he helped lead a 10-year fight to bring mental health insurance coverage to firefighters. He negotiated fairer contracts, fought for improved health care, livable wages, and safer working conditions. Brooks became a voice in Harrisburg for working families across the state. Brooks owns Brooks Lawn Care, a family-operated snow removal and lawn care business he started in 2013. He lives in Nazareth with his wife, Jen. They have four children and one grandchild. ON THE ISSUES Bob Brooks is concerned with a system that “isn't broken. It's working the way it was designed to work: by and for the super-rich.” His platform focuses on changing this system including: Repealing Citizens United Banning corporate PAC money from politics Banning stock trading by members of Congress Initiating term limits. No more lifetime politicians Ensuring fair taxes are paid by rich. No more free rides for billionaires and big corporations POLITICS IN PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania is a competitive swing state. Democrat Josh Shapiro is Governor and Democrats control the state House of Representatives but Republicans hold the majority in the state Senate. In Congress, seven of Pennsylvania’s 17 House seats are held by Democrats and the Senate is split between Democrats and Republicans. Brooks has been endorsed by Governor Shapiro, Senator Bernie Sanders, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and both the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Blue Dog Democrats. This Lehigh Valley swing seat was caried by Trump ‘16 by three points, won by Biden by less than a point in 2020, and won by Trump in ’24, again by three points. The incumbent, Ryan Mackenzie, flipped the district in ‘24 with 50.5% of the vote, defeating incumbent Democrat Susan Wild by 1%. PA 07 is among the most competitive districts in the country and one of four in Pennsylvania targeted by Democrats this cycle. The race is currently rated Toss-up by both Cook and Sabato.

Vicente Gonzalez Texas 34 Incumbent DONATE to the FM House Slate DONATE to Vicente's Campaign • Return to the House Slate “There is nothing ‘beautiful’ about a bill that lowers taxes for the ultra-rich on the backs of our senior citizens, our children, and our veterans. Ripping away health insurance, raising food prices nationwide, increasing the cost of education, harming our senior citizens, and hurting federal workers’ retirement is shameful and I will not stand for it.” (Press Release- The Big Beautiful Bill, 5/22/25) “Never in the history of our country have we seen the governor of Texas bow down to a New Yorker. Gone are the days of tenacious and fiercely independent leadership in the Lone Star in State. I am ashamed to see such a blatant attempt to sell out key communities like my own in the Rio Grande Valley from the process. Our community is strong, and we deserve to be properly represented during this process and in Congress...we will not be silenced.” (Testimony to the Texas Senate and House Redistricting Committees demanding that both bodies hold in-person redistricting hearings in South Texas, 7/25/25) To hear Rep. Gonzalez directly, listen to this short video: KRIS 6 interview with U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Jr. BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE A native Texan, Congressman Gonzalez is a graduate of Del Mar College (AS), Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University - Corpus Christi (BS) and Texas Wesleyan University (JD). After law school, Gonzalez opened his own legal practice. Elected in 2016 to represent Texas’s 15th District, Gonzalez later won the redrawn 34th District in 2022, defeating Republican Mayra Flores. He beat her again in a 2024 rematch. Gonzalez serves on the House Financial Services Committee, sitting on the Subcommittees on Capital Markets and on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions. He is Communications and Outreach Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition and Chair of the Congressional Oil and Gas Caucus. He belongs to the Problem Solvers Caucus, New Democrat Coalition, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus. ON THE ISSUES Gonzalez’s current priorities include securing FEMA aid for South Texas flood victims (March 2025), supporting veterans and the military, expanding health care access, and investing in education. A Blue Dog Democrat, he emphasizes fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, and bipartisan cooperation. The Lugar Center ranked him among the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress based on his voting record. POLITICS IN TEXAS Texas remains solidly Republican, with the GOP holding every statewide office, both U.S. Senate seats, and majorities in the state legislature. The state’s 38-member House delegation includes 25 Republicans, 12 Democrats, and one vacancy. The Texas Supreme Court is entirely Republican. At Trump’s request, the State Legislature and Governor Abbott has redrawn Congressional district lines to bolster Republican chances of retaining control of the U.S. House in’26. As a result, five seats currently held by Democrats at risk include Texas 34 - Congressman Gonzalez’s district. The new map gives Republicans better odds to flip this seat. With the completion of the 3/3/26 primary, Republican Eric Flores will face Vincente in the November 2026 general election. Following the most recent Congressional redistricting process in Texas, both the Cook Political Report and Sabato Crystal Ball rate this race as Toss-Up.

Bobby Pulido Texas 15 Challenger DONATE to the FM House Slate DONATE to Bobby's Campaign • Return to the House Slate “I’ve spent decades using my voice to bring people together. Now, I’ll use it to fight for the place we call home, because this is the only stage that really matters – and it’s worth fighting for....Lots of farmers that I know, and people in the construction industry, are very frustrated right now because they don't have people to work. They offer people more money, they do everything they can. They still can't field a crew.” (The Texas Tribune, 9/17/25) To hear directly from candidate Pulido, watch this short video: The Singer Who Hopes to Flip a South Texas District BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE Bobby Pulido was born and raised in Edinburg, Texas where he still lives with his wife and four sons. He studied political science in college before launching a successful music career that has established him as one of Tex-Mex (Tejano) music’s most recognized and popular voices. He is a small business owner and entrepreneur as well. ON THE ISSUES Issues that matter to Pulido reflect the family and community values shaping his life in the Rio Grande Valley region. According to his website, in Congress, Pulido will focus on: A strong economy that rewards hard work Strong, common-sense agriculture policy that protects farmers, ranchers, and our natural resources Secure borders without destroying families and with a fairer and reasonable path to citizenship Healthcare that protects our families Education that invests in our children and teachers A regional strategy that deals with a growing water crisis in the Rio Grande Valley region POLITICS IN TEXAS Texas remains solidly Republican, with the GOP holding every statewide office, both US Senate seats, and majorities in the state legislature. The state’s 38 member House of Representatives delegation includes 25 Republicans, 12 Democrats and one vacancy. The Texas Supreme Court is entirely Republican. TX 15 was one of the first Latino-majority districts in the country and has been represented by Latinos since 1965. The district was redrawn in 2025 to make it more favorable to Republicans. Pulido’s opponent is Republican incumbent Representative Monica De La Cruz who was re-elected in ‘24 with 57% of the vote in a district carried by Trump by 59%. In 2022, she became the first Republican and first woman elected to the seat. This race is rated Likely R. But Pulido’s unique profile and charismatic appeal could help regain Hispanic voters in South Texas, especially considering the damaging impacts of the Trump regime policies in the region.

Sean McCann Michigan 04 Challenger DONATE to the FM House Slate DONATE to Sean's Campaign • Return to the House Slate “I’ve spent my life working for our community and putting politics aside to deliver tax relief for Michigan families, protect women’s right to choose, and bring good paying jobs back home. I’ll keep fighting to get your costs down, protect your Social Security and healthcare, and take on special interests to actually get things done for working people...Our families deserve a Representative who works as hard as they do and who focuses on what matters to them, and that's why I’m running for Congress.” (Ottawa News Network, 7/20/25) To hear directly from candidate McCann, watch this short video: State Senator Sean McCann 5-19-26 BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE Sean McCann has a BA from Western Michigan University. He was elected to the Kalamazoo City Commission in1999 and worked for the Kalamazoo Red Cross leading disaster relief services. In 2013, he proposed the creation of an Independent Redistricting Commission to counter partisan gerrymandering. McCann has served in the state legislature since 2014 in both the Senate and House. He has a reputation among Democrats and Republican alike as a serious problem solver and a strong voice for families trying to make ends meet. He was first elected to the Senate by flipping a Republican seat. McCann is a known and accomplished candidate with an admirable record of public service. McCann and his wife, Priscilla, have two children. ON THE ISSUES McCann’s campaign website provides substantial detail on his positions about several issues. His priorities in the House of Representatives will include: Keeping costs low and tackling the affordability crisis Protecting health care Addressing energy costs Protecting water, air, and land Safeguarding our constitution and democracy Fighting for our farmers, producers, and rural communities Honoring our veterans by giving them the care they need Investing in local public education Keeping communities safe; supporting local law enforcement Fighting for reproductive freedom Bringing well-paying jobs home POLITICS IN MICHIGAN Michigan has been a swing state in recent presidential elections, making it a competitive political environment for all elected offices. The state is currently represented by two Democratic US Senators. There are seven Republican and six Democratic Representatives currently in the House. Democrats have a slim majority in the Michigan Senate and Republicans have a similar majority in the state‘s House of Representatives. Democrats hold every statewide office including governor. Despite rumors he would retire, incumbent Republican Bill Huizenga is seeking re-election to a seat he won by double-digits in 2022. Trump won his district by only 5.5 points. McCann’s current State Senate district constitutes 45% of MI 04. The race is rated Lean R by both Sabato’s Crystal Ball and Inside Elections. The Cook Political Report rates it Likely Republican.

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Denise Powell Nebraska 02 Open Seat DONATE to the FM House Slate DONATE to Denise's Campaign • Return to the House Slate “I’d be the first Latina, the first person of color, to ever serve in federal office in Nebraska....People are ready for some change here....they are frustrated by an administration that is breaking its promises, and everyone in my community is really struggling right now. I hear it every day from families, farmers, veterans, and seniors... I’m proud to have earned this opportunity, and I’m ready to fight like hell for Nebraska.” (Powell press release after NE 02 primary victory, 5/15/26) “I’ll stand up to Trump’s abuse of power and attacks on our democracy, and I’ll work to defend the health, safety and financial well-being of Nebraskan families. I’ll do what career politicians haven’t: Deliver for working people, not special interest groups.” (Campaign website) To hear directly from candidate Powell, watch this short video: ‘This is our year,’ says Democrat looking to flip Don Bacon’s Nebraska district BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE Powell moved to Omaha with her husband 17 years ago. She has been deeply engaged in the Omaha community serving the interests of under-resourced populations and addressing the barriers faced by women – particularly women of color. She has been on the boards of the Immigrant legal Center, the Women’s Center for Advancement, and Amplify Arts. Powell is a former corporate executive, small business owner, healthcare advocate, and public school supporter. This is her first run for political office, but she is well known in political circles from her work recruiting and supporting women candidates in Nebraska. A 2000 graduate of the University of Miami, Powell worked for public relations firms Edelman-Ketchum and Fleishman-Hillard before working in-house for PepsiCo and Hilton Hotels. After moving to Omaha in 2009, she established her own public relations consulting business. From 2015-2021 Powell was a partner working on external relations for an Omaha architecture firm. Following the 2026 election, Powell founded Women Who Run, a Nebraska state-level PAC dedicated to recruiting and supporting progressive women running for office. ON THE ISSUES Powell’s priorities are described in more detail on her campaign website: Standing up for hardworking Nebraska families Reducing costs Protecting access to affordable healthcare Defending reproductive healthcare Making communities safer Working to strengthen the local and national economies Focusing on innovation while protecting Nebraska workers Supporting Nebraska farmers Protecting Nebraska’s education system Fighting for democracy - defending the constitution and the nation Demanding ethical government Maintaining a strong national security and defending our interests abroad Demanding real changes to our broken immigration system POLITICS IN NEBRASKA NE 02 has been held by Republican Don Bacon since 2016 when he was the only Republican to flip a House seat. His decision not to seek another term has created an open seat in one of just three Republican–held seats won by Kamala Harris in ‘24 by five points. Bacon won his final re-election in ‘24 by two points. This race represents a clear pick-up opportunity for Democrats. The district is among the most evenly divided in the nation with a slim D+0.8 margin. Powell was victorious in the May ‘26 Democratic primary, defeating six other candidates, including members of the Omaha political establishment. Her general election opponent is Republican Brinker Harding who was unopposed in the Republican primary. This race is rated Lean D although the seat is currently Republican.