Nebraska GOP Rep. Don Bacon Won’t Seek Reelection, Cites Political Dysfunction

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Nebraska GOP Rep. Don Bacon Won’t Seek Reelection, Cites Political Dysfunction/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon announced he won’t seek reelection, citing rising political polarization and family priorities. His departure opens a battleground House seat in Omaha’s swing district. Democrats see a prime opportunity to flip the seat.

FILE – Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., speaks with reporters before joining a closed-door Republican strategy session at the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Don Bacon Nebraska Congress Quick Looks

Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon won’t run in 2026 elections
Cites political dysfunction, wants more family time
Omaha’s swing district pivotal in national politics
Bacon known for centrist stance in GOP ranks
District split its Electoral College vote in past elections
Democrats eye seat as potential flip in 2026
State Sen. John Cavanaugh among leading Democratic challengers
Bacon criticized Trump’s tariffs, but supported other GOP measures

The Capitol is seen in Washington, Monday, June 9, 2025, as Republican senators work to advance President Donald Trump’s bill of tax breaks and spending cuts. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Deep Look

Nebraska’s GOP Rep. Don Bacon Retires, Citing Political Dysfunction And Opening Battleground House Seat

OMAHA, Neb. — U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska known for his centrist stance, announced Monday he will not seek reelection next year, citing deepening political dysfunction and a desire to spend more time with family.

Bacon, 61, shared the news during a press conference at Omaha’s airport, declaring an end to his nearly decade-long tenure representing Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District — a politically volatile area centered around Omaha, often dubbed the state’s “blue dot.”

Balancing Trump Loyalty And A Swing District

Throughout his congressional career, Bacon has walked a delicate line: staying in the Republican Party’s good graces — including with President Donald Trump — without alienating Democratic-leaning voters in his swing district.

“It is disconcerting to get attacked from the right,” Bacon said, noting how political polarization has taken its toll.

Despite his decision to step aside, Bacon said he believes he could have won reelection but wants to prioritize family time in Omaha, particularly with his eight grandchildren.

“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 said.

Nebraska’s Unique Electoral Landscape

Bacon acknowledged that winning the 2nd District requires appealing to swing voters, given its history of splitting its presidential Electoral College vote. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that divide their electoral votes by congressional district rather than using a winner-take-all system.

Nebraska’s 2nd District has swung toward Democrats in several recent presidential elections, with its electoral vote going to Barack Obama in 2008, Joe Biden in 2020, and Kamala Harris in 2024.

Political winds are shifting further in Omaha, where voters recently unseated longtime Republican Mayor Jean Stothert in favor of Democrat John Ewing.

Democrats See A Pickup Opportunity

Bacon’s exit has energized Democrats eager to flip the seat. Among the most prominent candidates is state Sen. John Cavanaugh, son of former Rep. John J. Cavanaugh III, who represented the district from 1977 to 1981.

Several Democrats have already announced their candidacies, viewing the district’s evolving demographics and Bacon’s departure as a prime opening.

Bipartisanship And Party Tensions

An Air Force veteran first elected in 2016, Bacon built a reputation as a pragmatic centrist, often emphasizing bipartisanship in his campaigns. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee and has chaired the Republican Main Street Caucus, a group representing the party’s conservative-centrist wing.

In his most recent campaigns, Bacon highlighted his willingness to cross party lines, including supporting President Biden’s 2021 infrastructure investment package. Yet he also remained loyal to many core GOP priorities.

Despite his moderate image, Bacon increasingly drew criticism from Trump loyalists. He faced a primary challenge in 2024, backed by the Nebraska Republican Party, whose leadership has shifted further right.

Bacon has not shied away from criticizing Trump on issues such as trade tariffs. He even introduced legislation seeking to return the authority to impose tariffs from the president back to Congress.

Legislative Challenges Ahead

Regarding Trump’s sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill” currently under Senate consideration, Bacon said he’s withholding judgment until the final details emerge.

“The Senate has done some new provisions in there that are concerning,” Bacon said. “There’s a lot of great stuff in this legislation too, so we’ve got to weigh it out.”

Broader GOP Departures Signal Party Shifts

Bacon’s announcement follows another significant GOP retirement: Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina also confirmed Sunday he would not seek reelection, citing differences with Trump over his tax and spending proposals that threaten cuts to health care programs.

As Bacon plans to complete his current term, his departure sets the stage for a high-stakes contest in Nebraska’s 2nd District — a seat that may prove pivotal in shaping the House’s balance of power in 2026.