Nebraska’s Democratic congressional candidate, Denise Powell, has publicly opposed the state’s 2023 law that restricts gender transition procedures for minors. She described the law as “discriminatory and hateful” and encouraged her supporters to contact lawmakers. This stance, evident from social media posts, has garnered criticism.
Before becoming her party’s nominee, Powell made several posts on Facebook and TikTok against LB 574, known as the “Let Them Grow Act.” This legislation prohibits gender transition procedures for minors and regulates puberty blockers and hormone treatments for those under 19.
In a Facebook post from March 2023, Powell, an administrator for The Bellwether Initiative Nebraska page, urged Nebraskans to reach out to their state senators. She encouraged them to join her at the Capitol for the final day of the first round of floor debate over the bill, wearing a shirt that read “PROTECT TRANS KIDS.” “Today is the final day of the first round of floor debate on LB 574, a bill that would prohibit and punish healthcare providers from providing gender-affirming care to children under the age of 19,” she wrote.
During a campaign event in Omaha, July 2026, Powell reiterated her position. Joined by former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, she stated, “Laws like this one are passing all over the country — Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee. Nebraska has the opportunity to set an example; to show trans kids and families around the country that we won’t stand for this discriminatory and hateful behavior.” She praised lawmakers “fighting this on the front line” and urged supporters to “call or tweet at your senators TODAY.”
Powell also used TikTok, under the username “dbpinomaha,” to oppose the legislation. In a video posted on February 8, 2023, Powell wrote, “Aaaaand we’re back, this time to oppose LB 574, a bill that would make it illegal for kids to access gender-affirming care,” accompanied by footage showing protesters supporting trans Nebraskans.
LB 574 passed with a 33-15 vote in the Nebraska Legislature, and Governor Jim Pillen signed it into law. A Nebraska First PAC poll in the same year found that 61% of likely voters supported prohibiting gender-altering procedures for those under 19, with 78% agreeing children should wait until adulthood for irreversible surgeries.
Jon Schweppe, a former Trump official and senior advisor at the American Principles Project, criticized Powell, stating she is “about as radical as it gets.” He highlighted her advocacy for transgender rights and involvement with an organization opposing parental rights in education.
Zach Bannon, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, accused Powell of being “a rubber stamp for the radical far-left,” emphasizing her support for policies including sex change surgeries for kids.
Denise Powell is running against Republican Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding for Nebraska’s open 2nd Congressional District seat. Democrats aim to flip this seat, as Republicans try to maintain their majority in the House of Representatives.
Powell’s campaign priorities include lowering costs, protecting healthcare access and abortion rights, supporting workers, and opposing former President Trump’s “abuse of power.” Fox News Digital could not reach Powell’s campaign for comment.
Reporter Andrew Mark Miller provided this coverage for Fox News Digital. Follow him on Twitter @andymarkmiller or email tips to [email protected].