OMAHA, NEB. — The Democratic primary for Nebraska's second district House seat was too early to call late Tuesday, with Denise Powell leading John Cavanaugh by about two percentage points out of more than 51,000 votes counted. Douglas County, which accounts for more than 90% of the district, continued processing ballots and was unable to provide an estimate of outstanding ballots late Tuesday.

Douglas County officials said additional information about outstanding ballots would be released Wednesday afternoon. The county counts a large number of votes after election day.

Three Democrats were the top contenders in the primary: Cavanaugh, Powell and Crystal Rhoades, the district court clerk for Nebraska's second district. EMILY's List put its reach and money behind Powell during the race.

"I think people are ready for that fired up mom. I think that they're looking for change, and hopefully they see me as the person to help Nebraska to bring it," Powell said as returns came in Tuesday night. "Hopefully, we wake up tomorrow morning to some good news," she added.

Republican groups sent out mailers and social media posts during the primary claiming Cavanaugh is in agreement with President Donald Trump and showing a photo of the two together. "Clearly, the Republicans know that I'm the strongest general election candidate," Cavanaugh, a state senator, said.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Brinker Harding in the November general election. Harding, an Omaha City Council member, ran unopposed on the Republican side in the primary and was endorsed by Trump.

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon has held the seat for much of the last decade and is retiring. The Cook Political Report rates Nebraska's second district as leaning Democratic and a prime opportunity for a pickup. The district has voted for Democratic presidential candidates three out of five times since 2008. Nebraska is one of just two states that splits its electoral votes in presidential elections.