Democratic congressional hopeful Denise Powell criticized for backing gender-affirming surgery for minors

Denise Powell, the Democratic candidate for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, posted on Facebook and TikTok in early 2023 urging residents to oppose LB 574, a law that bars gender-affirming medical treatment for minors and limits puberty blockers and hormones for people under 19. In her messages she urged calls and tweets to state senators, wore a "PROTECT TRANS KIDS" shirt, and highlighted protests in Omaha and Lincoln.

The Nebraska Legislature approved the bill 33-15 and Governor Jim Pillen signed it into law, though a subsequent proposal by Senator Kathleen Kauth to broaden the restrictions did not advance. Critics from the NRCC and commentators such as Jon Schweppe described Powell’s advocacy as radical and out of step with the state’s electorate. Powell’s campaign emphasizes lower costs, health-care access, abortion rights, and opposition to President Donald Trump’s actions. One outlet sought comment from her campaign without response.