Omaha, Neb. – In the final stretch of the 2026 race for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, Republican challenger Brinker Harding hit the campaign trail alongside incumbent Rep. Don Bacon. The duo toured neighborhoods and local businesses, emphasizing affordability for families and Harding’s willingness to diverge from President Donald Trump on certain policies.
Campaign focus on affordability
Harding told voters that the cost of everyday items, especially gasoline, is a top concern. “We know how hard it is for people right now as they go to the gas pump,” he said. He pledged to work toward lower prices and to push the administration for more targeted, “surgical” trade measures rather than broad tariffs.
Harding’s independent stance
While aligning with Bacon on many conservative priorities, Harding stressed that he is “independent‑minded” and will not be a rubber stamp for the president. “I’ve been very vocal in my disagreement with the president,” he said, citing specific issues such as importing beef from Argentina and a proposed $5,000 check to Republicans who win elections.
Bacon echoed the sentiment, noting that Harding’s approach resembles the 2018 race in which Bacon outperformed the polls by about five points. “What we see right now is similar to 2018,” Bacon said. “I did about five points better than the polls. I see something similar in Harding’s campaign.”
Policy disagreements with Trump
Harding highlighted three areas where he differs from President Trump: the blanket tariffs on imports, the proposed beef‑import policy, and the $5,000 check program. When asked if he would tell the president to stop “universal broad tariffs,” Harding replied, “I think they should be more surgical in nature. They need to be thought out in that way.”
National security and Iran
Beyond trade, Harding linked affordability to foreign policy, specifically the need for a swift resolution to the Iran situation. “The bottom line is Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he asserted, urging the administration to act decisively.
Continuing voter outreach
Harding said he will keep meeting with constituents up to Election Day, emphasizing personal contact and listening tours as essential to understanding voter concerns. “I’ll continue meeting with voters ahead of Election Day,” he promised.
Election context
The race pits Harding against Democrat Denise Powell for a seat currently held by Rep. Don Bacon, who has served multiple terms. Nebraska’s 2nd District, which includes Omaha and surrounding suburbs, is considered a key battleground in the 2026 midterms.
Both candidates are campaigning heavily on issues that affect everyday Nebraskans—affordability, trade policy, and national security—while navigating their relationship with the Trump administration. Voters will decide whether Harding’s blend of conservative principles and selective independence resonates more than Powell’s platform.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
