Political organizer Denise Powell wins Democratic primary for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district

Political organizer Denise Powell has been officially declared the winner of the Democratic primary for the state's open Second Congressional District seat. 

The Associated Press called the race late Wednesday, with Powell ahead of opponent state Sen. John Cavanaugh by roughly 2 percentage points with 89% of votes counted.

She will face Republican Brinker Harding in November for the seat being vacated by GOP Rep. Don Bacon, who is retiring after five terms. The seat, which includes Omaha, is considered a "swing district," considering it has favored Democrats in recent presidential elections despite it being occupied by a Republican for roughly 10 years. So it is considered a prime pickup opportunity for Democrats in the midterms.

The winner of the district may decide which party controls the U.S. House after the midterms, NPR reported. President Donald Trump has endorsed Harding. 

A review of Federal Election Commission filings by Nebraska Public Radio found that outside spending flooded the Democratic primary in the state and so-called "blue dot" distirct, with $5.6 million in ad buys.