Denise Powell, the Democratic nominee for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, has publicly opposed the state's 2023 law that restricts gender transition procedures for minors. Her campaign emphasizes that the legislation discriminates against transgender youth.
The law, identified as LB 574 or the Let Them Grow Act, bans puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgical interventions for individuals under 19 and imposes penalties on providers who offer such care. It represents a broader trend of similar measures across several states.
In March 2023, Powell used her Facebook platform to urge Nebraskans to contact their state senators and attend a Capitol demonstration on the final day of the bill's first round of floor debate, wearing a shirt that read “PROTECT TRANS KIDS.” She framed the bill as part of a national pattern and called for supporters to call or tweet their senators.
Powell also posted a TikTok video on February 8, 2023, denouncing LB 574 as a law that would make gender‑affirming care illegal for minors. The video featured protest signs and a personal image holding a sign that read “TRANS NEBRASKANS BELONG.”
A follow‑up TikTok on March 31 highlighted student walkouts at high schools in Omaha and Lincoln in support of transgender youth. Powell noted the campuses' solidarity and urged continued advocacy.
The Nebraska Legislature ultimately passed LB 574 by a 33‑15 vote, and the governor signed the bill into law later that year. The enactment formalized the restrictions on gender‑affirming care for minors.
A poll conducted the same year indicated that 61 percent of likely voters supported prohibiting gender‑altering procedures for those under 19, while 78 percent favored waiting until adulthood for irreversible surgeries. These figures suggest considerable public backing for the legislation.
An attempt to expand the law in April, which would have further banned puberty blockers and cross‑sex hormones for minors, failed to advance in the Senate. The proposal did not receive sufficient support to move forward.
Political opponents have characterized Powell as an extremist, noting her advocacy for transgender youth medical care and her board service with an organization that opposes parental rights in education and promotes an LGBTQ‑focused curriculum for elementary students. Critics argue that her positions diverge sharply from prevailing Nebraska values.
Additional criticism focuses on Powell's alignment with far‑left policies, including support for sex‑change surgeries for minors, and portrays her as out of touch with the state's electorate. Opponents contend that her platform conflicts with the majority view on these issues.
Powell is contesting the open 2nd District seat against Republican Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding, with her campaign emphasizing lower healthcare costs, protection of abortion rights, worker support, and opposition to perceived abuses of power. The race is viewed as a potential opportunity for Democrats to flip the district.
Requests for comment from Powell's campaign were not returned. The campaign has not provided a public response to inquiries about her stance or the criticism she faces.
