Republican Announces His Retirement As House Vote Approaches

Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), a ten-year congressional veteran and retired Air Force brigadier general, announced Monday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, leaving behind a battleground seat that could become a hot spot in the fight for House control.

“After 30 years in the Air Force and 10 years in Congress, it’s time to spend my future with the love of my life, our four kids, and our wonderful grandchildren. Thank you, Nebraska!” Bacon posted on X.

Bacon narrowly secured reelection in 2024 in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, a swing seat President Donald J. Trump lost to Kamala Harris by nearly five points. With his departure, Democrats are already circling, eager to flip the district in what they see as a critical pickup opportunity.

Madison Andrus, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, wasted no time politicizing the decision, claiming, “Don Bacon’s decision to not seek reelection in 2026 is the latest vote of no-confidence for House Republicans and their electoral prospects.”

But Bacon, a self-described “Reagan Republican,” dismissed such partisan spin, telling the Associated Press that he believes the GOP can hold the seat — if it nominates someone who can appeal to independents and working families. “In this district, you got to win swing voters. It’s just a fact of life,” he said.

Bacon’s moderate stance often placed him at odds with the conservative base and Nebraska’s pro-Trump Republican Party, which has become increasingly vocal in its criticism of his voting record. Many conservatives viewed him as inconsistent — talking a tough game on conservative values while cutting deals that appeased the left.

Despite those tensions, Bacon remained committed to a strong national defense, border security, and pro-growth economic policies. “I want to be a voice for traditional Republican views,” he said, reaffirming support for President Trump’s tax cuts and other policies that fueled job growth and rebuilt America’s military might.

“I’m a Reagan Republican,” Bacon reiterated, signaling his discomfort with the isolationist wing of the GOP. He criticized Medicaid cuts in a Senate bill but praised its tax reform and military funding. “Are we better off keeping the tax cuts permanent, keeping the inheritance tax off, keeping the investment tax credits on…?” he asked. “There’s a lot of great stuff in this legislation.”

His political balancing act wasn’t always easy. Bacon drew fire from the Nebraska GOP after refusing to back Rep. Jim Jordan for House Speaker in 2023, following the ousting of Kevin McCarthy. Protests outside his office soon followed. Party hardliners never fully forgave him for repeatedly outpolling Trump in the district — a sore point for state-level party loyalists.

Still, Bacon insists he could have won reelection but chose to step aside to allow a fresh Republican voice to take up the mantle in a district that demands year-round campaigning and constant engagement. “The district needs a new Republican,” he said, emphasizing the need for fresh energy and determination to face what will be a highly contested race.

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) praised Bacon’s decades of service, calling him a committed patriot and colleague. “I have enjoyed working alongside Don on many issues facing our nation, and I will miss partnering with him on solutions that strengthen our Nebraska communities,” said Fischer.

As the 2026 battle lines are drawn, Republicans must now find a candidate who can keep the seat red without alienating the conservative base. Democrats, meanwhile, are banking on division within the Nebraska GOP to help them seize control of the district.

But one thing is certain: with President Trump back in the White House and focused on restoring American greatness, any Republican running in NE-02 better be ready to stand tall for the America First agenda.