Nebraska Democratic House Candidate Denise Powell Opposes Ban on Youth Gender-Affirming Care
Denise Powell, the Democratic nominee for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, has publicly opposed legislation that would bar minors from receiving gender-affirming treatments, including sex-change surgery.
In early 2023, Denise Powell used Facebook to vow relentless resistance to a Nebraska law that would prohibit minors from accessing puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and sex-change surgeries, calling the restriction illegal and harmful to children. She subsequently called on her followers to reach out to their senators, emphasizing the bill’s negative impact on vulnerable youth. Powell secured the Democratic nomination for the state’s 2nd Congressional District, aiming to unseat retiring Republican Rep. Don Bacon, with the race rated "Lean D" by the Cook Political Report.
Her campaign has drawn criticism for ties to left-leaning dark-money organizations, including consulting work for the Sixteen Thirty Fund and the New Venture Fund, both under investigation by the Nebraska attorney general. Additionally, Powell co-founded Women Who Run Nebraska, a PAC that contributed to candidates like former state senator Jen Day and state senators Machaela Cavanaugh and Megan Hunt, who have all opposed legislation restricting gender-affirming care.
Why it matters
The race could shift a historically Republican seat and highlights the national debate over youth gender-affirming medical care.
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