Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon has announced that he will not run for re-election in 2026, joining Sen. Thom Tillis in stepping down from their respective congressional seats. Bacon, a key moderate in the House GOP, has represented Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District since 2017 and has maintained a centrist position within a party that has increasingly shifted to the right under President Donald Trump. His decision comes amid ongoing efforts in Congress to pass Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ by a self-imposed July 4 deadline, a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at delivering on the president’s key campaign promises across various policy areas.
Bacon’s announcement has sparked significant discussion within the political landscape, as his departure underscores a broader trend of moderate Republicans seeking to distance themselves from the party’s leadership. The Nebraska representative has consistently been a vocal critic of Trump’s policies, including his stance on immigration, energy, and healthcare. Despite voting with his Republican colleagues on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Bacon has raised concerns about its inclusion of proposed Medicaid cuts, which he believes could negatively impact vulnerable populations. This position has positioned him as a rarity in the Republican Party, where many other members have aligned more closely with Trump’s agenda.
Bacon’s decision to retire from Congress is also seen as a strategic move in the context of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. His home district, which has become a battleground for Democrats, has historically leaned Republican but is now considered a high-target seat for Democratic candidates. The former Vice President Kamala Harris won the district by nearly five percentage points in 2024, highlighting its growing Democratic appeal. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) spokesperson Madison Andrus has commented on the political implications of Bacon’s retirement, stating that it represents a ‘vote of no-confidence’ for House Republicans and their electoral prospects. The DCCC has expressed optimism about the potential for Democrats to reclaim the seat in the future.
In a statement, Bacon emphasized his commitment to service while also acknowledging the need for a personal focus on family and community. He has expressed hope to continue contributing to policy work, including pushing for agricultural bills, improving food supply chain defenses, and establishing a new VA hospital in Omaha. Bacon’s retirement also signals the end of an era for his career, which began with a distinguished 30-year Air Force service and has extended into a decade-long tenure in Congress. As he prepares to step away from public life, his legacy will be remembered as one of bipartisan engagement and a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of Nebraskans.
The broader implications of Bacon’s decision extend beyond his district, reflecting the ongoing tension within the Republican Party between its centrist members and the increasingly dominant Trump faction. As the 2026 elections approach, the departure of high-profile moderates like Bacon could further challenge the party’s ability to maintain its traditional base and may influence the trajectory of national policy discussions in the coming years.