GOP centrist Rep. Don Bacon won’t seek re-election in battleground district
Rep. Don Bacon, a House GOP centrist from Nebraska, made a surprising announcement on Monday that he will not seek re-election next year. After serving 30 years in the Air Force and 10 years in Congress, Bacon expressed his desire to spend more time with his family. His decision comes at a crucial time as Congress is working diligently to pass President Donald Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda by the July 4 deadline.
Bacon, known for his moderate stance within the Republican Party, has often diverged from Trump’s policies. Despite ultimately voting in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Bacon raised concerns about proposed Medicaid cuts and other aspects of the bill. He has also been vocal about his opposition to certain White House proposals, including cuts to an AIDS relief program and a controversial name change for the Gulf of America. Additionally, Bacon has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine and has criticized Trump’s approach to the conflict with Russia.
In a similar move, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina also announced his decision not to seek re-election next year. Like Bacon, Tillis has been willing to challenge Trump and his party on key issues, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Both Bacon and Tillis have shown a willingness to prioritize their principles over party loyalty, making them standout figures in today’s political landscape.
Bacon has represented Nebraska’s second congressional district since 2017, winning re-election in 2024 by a narrow margin. His district, which was won by Vice President Kamala Harris in the last presidential election, is expected to be a highly contested seat in the upcoming midterm elections. With the political climate in Nebraska shifting, Democrats are eager to capitalize on Bacon’s decision not to run for re-election and are confident in their ability to secure the seat in 2026.
As the 2026 elections approach, both parties are gearing up for a fierce battle in Nebraska’s second congressional district. With Bacon stepping down, the race for his successor is sure to attract national attention and could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress. The future of Nebraska’s representation in Washington remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – the political landscape is evolving, and both parties are preparing for a competitive showdown in the upcoming election cycle.
