OMAHA, Neb. — Congressman Don Bacon, a Republican representative from Nebraska, announced that he will not be running for reelection in the upcoming year due to the growing political divide in the country. Speaking at a press event at Omaha’s airport, the 61-year-old declared his intent to step down after serving five terms in Nebraska’s Second District, an area known for its progressive base centered around Omaha.
Bacon has walked a fine line in his political journey, endeavoring to remain in favor with both his party and former President Donald Trump without losing the favor of his increasingly Democratic district. During his announcement, he expressed pride in his bipartisan efforts, particularly in the face of Washington’s stark partisanship. “It is disconcerting to get attacked from the right,” he remarked.
While Bacon expressed confidence in his ability to win another term, he cited a desire to prioritize family time in Omaha as his reason for stepping aside. “I think it’s time for a new Republican to be your nominee that can do 12-14 hours a day and hold this seat,” Bacon explained. He emphasized the necessity of appealing to swing voters as a fact of political life in his district. Despite the challenge, he believes Republicans stand a good chance of retaining the seat beyond 2026, arguing that the current Democratic candidates largely appeal to the far left.
Bacon, an Air Force veteran who first entered Congress in 2016 and secured reelection in 2024, has been a fixture on the House Armed Services Committee and engaged in many legislative debates. A prominent figure in the conservative-centrist Republican Main Street Caucus, he plans to fulfill his current term.
With a reputation for centrism that is increasingly rare in the GOP, Bacon recognized the need for moderation in effectively representing his politically diverse district. Nebraska, one of two states that apportions Electoral College votes by congressional district rather than winner-take-all, has seen Bacon’s district cast its electoral vote for Democratic presidential candidates on several occasions.
This political shift in Omaha was recently highlighted when voters opted for Democrat John Ewing over Republican incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert, rejecting a fourth term for Stothert. Several Democrats, including prominent state senator John Cavanaugh, have announced their candidacies, seizing the opportunity to capture a vulnerable House seat.
Navigating his district’s leanings, Bacon has campaigned from the middle, underscoring his bipartisan stance and his readiness to diverge from party lines, as demonstrated by his support for the Biden administration’s 2021 infrastructure bill. Although Bacon often aligned with his party and Trump’s administration on key issues, his outspoken criticism frequently drew backlash, including facing a primary challenge from a Trump-backed opponent in 2024.
One significant area of critique from Bacon has been Trump’s tariff policies, which led Bacon to propose legislation to return tariff authority to Congress. His critical stance also extends to ongoing fiscal debates in Congress, particularly regarding tax and spending bills. “Are we better off keeping the tax credits and increased spending for military we have in there?” Bacon contemplated, expressing hesitancy over changes made in the Senate.
In related political shifts, Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina also announced that he will not seek another term, citing opposition to Trump’s tax cuts and spending reductions due to their impact on healthcare programs.