“After 30 years in the Air Force and a decade in Congress, it’s time for me to focus on my future with the love of my life, our four children, and our wonderful grandchildren. Thank you, Nebraska!” Bacon stated on X.
Bacon narrowly secured reelection in 2024 in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District by a margin of less than two percentage points. In contrast, Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris won the district by nearly five points.
Democrats quickly seized the opportunity.
“The signs have been evident for months. Nebraskans are weary of the empty promises that Republicans are attempting to sell, and they desire genuine results,” remarked Madison Andrus, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Don Bacon’s choice to refrain from seeking reelection in 2026 represents the latest indication of a lack of confidence in House Republicans and their electoral future. Next November, Nebraskans will elect a Democrat who will truly deliver for them.”
Bacon’s moderate persona has enabled him to maintain his position even as his district has leaned more to the left.
“In this district, it is essential to win over swing voters. That is simply a reality,” he remarked.
Nevertheless, he conveyed to the Associated Press that he believes Republicans can retain the seat, noting that the Democrats currently in the race appeal solely to the far left. His announcement followed just one day after another Republican, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, also announced he would not seek reelection. Bacon informed reporters that after decades of service, he has learned to select his battles wisely, as reported by the Nebraska Examiner.
“If you’ve never fallen on your sword, there’s something amiss with you,” Bacon stated. “If you fall on your sword every day, there’s also something wrong with you.”
Several Nebraska Republicans commended him for his service. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer remarked that Bacon had “faithfully served our country and the people of Nebraska.”
“I have appreciated collaborating with Don on numerous issues confronting our nation, and I will miss working with him on solutions that enhance our Nebraska communities,” stated Fischer, who frequently refers to Bacon by his Air Force call sign, “Bits.”
However, Bacon has frequently faced criticism from conservatives who argue that he speaks one way but votes differently. He maintains that he has been independent and pragmatic.
The House Majority PAC, associated with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, issued a statement asserting that Bacon was stepping away because he could not secure a victory.
“After voting to dismantle health care and increase costs for working families, Don Bacon is retreating because he understands he cannot win,” the group stated.
Bacon disagrees with this assessment. He claims he could have won again but prefers to pass the torch.
He believes the district requires “a new Republican” who possesses the energy for the long hours and year-round responsibilities of serving in a competitive district. Bacon identifies as a “Reagan Republican” — someone who opposes isolationism and believes that America’s military strength necessitates ongoing investment.
He has had confrontations with the right. Some Nebraska Republicans demonstrated outside his office when he declined to support Jim Jordan for speaker following McCarthy’s removal.
The Nebraska GOP turned against him after Trump allies assumed control of the state party in 2022. Bacon countered with a reminder: in both 2020 and 2024, he received more votes than Donald Trump in the district.
“I aspire to be a voice for traditional Republican principles,” Bacon stated on Monday.
He criticized certain aspects of the Senate bill concerning Medicaid reductions but commended Trump’s tax cuts and other elements of the legislation.
“Should we maintain the permanence of the tax cuts, exclude the inheritance tax, retain the investment tax credits, and continue the military provisions included in this bill?” Bacon inquired. “This legislation also contains numerous beneficial elements.”
