Key Points
- Rep. Don Bacon, a centrist Republican representing Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, will not seek reelection and plans to retire in 2026.
- Bacon’s formal announcement is expected next week, likely on Monday, coinciding with a major House vote.
- Bacon has represented the Omaha-based district since 2017, winning several tight races in a district trending Democratic.
- The district was won by Kamala Harris in 2024 and Joe Biden in 2020, making Bacon one of only three House Republicans representing a district carried by Harris.
- Bacon is known for his centrist stance, independent voting record, and frequent criticism of former President Donald Trump, especially on foreign policy and trade.
- His retirement opens a key battleground seat, giving Democrats a significant opportunity to flip the district in the 2026 midterms.
- State Senator John Cavanaugh (D) has already announced his candidacy for the seat.
- Bacon’s departure adds to a growing list of House Republicans and Democrats not seeking reelection.
- The news was first reported by Punchbowl News, with subsequent confirmation from multiple outlets including NBC News, The Hill, Star Tribune, ABC News, CNN, KLKN-TV, Notus, and Newsweek.
- Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Madison Andrus called Bacon’s decision “a clear vote of no confidence in House Republicans”.
Don Bacon’s decision to step aside after nearly a decade in Congress comes at a pivotal moment for both Nebraska’s political landscape and the national balance of power. With the district’s recent voting patterns and Bacon’s reputation as a centrist, his retirement is poised to set off a high-stakes political battle that could have far-reaching implications for the 2026 midterm elections.
Why Is Don Bacon Not Seeking Reelection in Nebraska’s 2nd District?
As reported by Sahil Kapur of NBC News, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican representing Nebraska’s pivotal 2nd Congressional District, is set to announce he will not seek reelection, according to individuals familiar with his plans. Bacon’s formal declaration is expected as soon as next week, aligning with the House’s upcoming vote on President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”. Bacon did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Friday, and Punchbowl News was the first to break the story.
What Is the Political Significance of Bacon’s Retirement?
According to reporting by The Hill’s Julia Manchester, Bacon’s decision not to run again creates a major opening for Democrats in a district that has increasingly leaned blue in recent cycles. The 2nd District, which includes much of the Omaha metropolitan area, was won by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 by nearly five points and by President Joe Biden in 2020 by an even larger margin. Bacon has been the GOP’s best hope for retaining this competitive seat, consistently winning by narrow margins, including a victory by less than two percentage points in 2024.
As noted by Newsweek’s James Bickerton, Bacon’s retirement underscores growing tensions within the Republican Party, particularly among moderates uneasy with the party’s rightward shift and Trump’s influence. The district’s “blue dot” status—one of only three House Republican-held seats carried by Harris—makes it a top Democratic target for the 2026 midterms.
How Has Bacon’s Career Shaped Nebraska’s 2nd District?
As detailed by the Star Tribune’s Steve Karnowski and ABC News’ Nicholas Riccardi, Bacon is a centrist and independent-minded Air Force veteran who has served on the House Armed Services Committee and chaired the Republican Main Street Caucus. First elected in 2016, Bacon has been at the center of many congressional debates, often acting as a swing vote and voice for moderation. He is expected to finish his current term.
Bacon’s victories have come in a district trending Democratic, with his 2016 win by fewer than 5,000 votes and subsequent reelections all decided by slim margins. His ability to outperform Trump in his district was seen as a major surprise in the 2024 election, given the national headwinds facing Republicans.
What Has Been Bacon’s Relationship with Trump and the GOP?
As reported by CNN’s Melanie Zanona, Bacon has been one of the few U.S. House Republicans willing to publicly challenge Trump, especially on foreign policy issues such as Ukraine and on trade tariffs. He has also criticized Trump’s approach to Russia and other key issues, while at times supporting administration actions, such as recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Bacon’s independent stance has made him both a target of Trump loyalists and a respected figure among centrist Republicans.
Who Is Likely to Run for Bacon’s Seat?
According to The Hill and KLKN-TV, State Senator John Cavanaugh, a Democrat, has already announced his candidacy, emphasizing support for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Newsweek reports that two Republicans—Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert—are considered potential candidates to succeed Bacon, though no formal announcements have been made.
The race is expected to attract significant national attention and financial investment from both parties, given the district’s status as a bellwether and the narrow Republican majority in the House.
How Are Democrats and Republicans Reacting?
As reported by Newsweek, Madison Andrus, spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, stated,
“The signs have been clear for months. Nebraskans are weary of the empty promises that Republicans are attempting to sell, and they are seeking genuine results. Don Bacon's announcement not to run for reelection in 2026 is a clear vote of no confidence in House Republicans and their electoral future. Next November, Nebraskans will elect a Democrat who will truly serve their needs”.
Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have highlighted the importance of retaining such battleground seats to maintain their legislative agenda, especially with the GOP’s narrow majority following their 2024 election victories.
What Does Bacon’s Departure Mean for Congress?
Bacon joins nearly a dozen House Republicans and nine Democrats who have announced they will not seek reelection next year, reflecting broader dissatisfaction and turnover in Congress. His retirement is seen as a significant loss for GOP leadership, given his centrist credentials and ability to win in a challenging district.
As reported by Notus and NBC News, Bacon’s exit could prompt changes in House leadership and committee assignments as the party adapts to new vacancies and prepares for a high-stakes 2026 midterm cycle.
What Happens Next?
Bacon is expected to formally announce his retirement on Monday, with a press conference scheduled and further details to follow. The race to replace him will be closely watched, with both parties gearing up for a costly and competitive contest that could help determine control of the House in 2026.
“Don Bacon’s announcement not to run for reelection in 2026 is a clear vote of no confidence in House Republicans and their electoral future. Next November, Nebraskans will elect a Democrat who will truly serve their needs.”
In summary, Rep. Don Bacon’s retirement marks a pivotal moment for Nebraska’s 2nd District and for the balance of power in Congress, setting the stage for a fiercely contested race in 2026 and highlighting the shifting dynamics within both major parties.