During the first televised forum of this election cycle, five candidates for the Democratic nomination for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District echoed many of the same key points they have over the course of the campaign to replace Republican Rep. Don Bacon.
Candidates Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, Kishla Askins, State Sen. John Cavanaugh, Denise Powell, Crystal Rhoades and Melanie Williams participate in a forum hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Photos: KETV hosts forum for Democratic 2nd Congressional District candidates
Candidates Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, Kishla Askins, State Sen. John Cavanaugh, Denise Powell, Crystal Rhoades and Melanie Williams participate in a forum hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
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Kishla Askins speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
State Sen. John Cavanaugh, center, speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Denise Powell speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
State Sen. John Cavanaugh speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Crystal Rhoades, center, speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Crystal Rhoades, right, speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Melanie Williams speaks during a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
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KETV hosts a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates; Kishla Askins, State Sen. John Cavanaugh, Denise Powell, Crystal Rhoades and Melanie Williams, in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
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KETV's Bill Schammert, left, moderates a forum for 2nd Congressional District candidates hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Candidates Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, Kishla Askins, State Sen. John Cavanaugh, Denise Powell, Crystal Rhoades and Melanie Williams participate in a forum hosted at KETV's Burlington Station in Omaha, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.