GOP Rep. Don Bacon won't vie for reelection in Nebraska
Share and Follow

Republican Representative Don Bacon revealed on Monday that he will not seek reelection next year. This decision opens up his fiercely contested House seat in Nebraska for the 2026 election cycle.

Bacon (R-Neb.), who hasn’t been shy about criticizing President Trump and disagreeing with fellow Republicans on Ukraine, explained that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

“When we started this journey in 2015, we had one grandchild. Today, Angie and I are blessed to have eight grandchildren,” Bacon said in a statement.

“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 is one of three sitting House Republicans who hail from a district that former Vice President Kamala Harris won last November. There are 13 House Democrats who come from a district that President Trump won.

The five-term congressman comes from Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, which is home to Omaha and had narrowly eked out a win last cycle — 50.9% to 49.1% — in one of the closest races in the country.

Given the ultra-slim 220 to 212 GOP majority in the House, Bacon’s decision not to run for reelection complicates their path to holding the lower chamber.

If Bacon ran for reelection, he would’ve likely faced another tough race to hold onto his seat, given that many analysts expect the midterms to be a blue wave year for House contests.

“The writing has been on the wall for months. Nebraskans are tired of the false promises that Republicans are trying to sell and they want real results,” Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Madison Andrus, a spokesperson, chided in a statement.

“Don Bacon’s decision to not seek reelection in 2026 is the latest vote of no-confidence for House Republicans and their electoral prospects. Next November, Nebraskans are going to elect a Democrat who will actually deliver for them.”

Bacon, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, had been one of a handful of Republicans in Congress who publicly criticized Trump’s approach to Ukraine.

“I feel so strongly about it, I just don’t care,” Bacon told The Post in March, while accusing the president of taking “a pro-Russian view” of the brutal war.

“He has been very weak on Ukraine,” Bacon, bluntly added, “and he’s been a bit of an appeaser to Russia.”

The Nebraska Republican had also been a critic of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the leaked Signal chat earlier this year.

Bacon’s announcement comes after Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) revealed that he would not be seeking reelection in 2026, leaving one of the GOP’s most vulnerable seats up for grabs.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Iowa vs. Vanderbilt prediction, picks: Odds, best bet for ReliaQuest Bowl

ReliaQuest Bowl 2023: Expert Predictions and Top Betting Odds for Iowa vs. Vanderbilt Showdown

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Armed Americans fight back: Inside 2025’s most gripping self-defense shootings across the US

Inside America’s Self-Defense Stories: A Look at 2025’s Notable Armed Incidents

Throughout 2025, numerous stories emerged of Americans invoking their constitutional right to…
Car crashes through the air sending its driver into swimming pool

Driver’s Wild Ride: Car Launches Into Air, Lands in Neighbor’s Swimming Pool

Astonishing surveillance video captured the dramatic moment a car careened through a…
Prince William and Kate Middleton release never-before-seen family snaps from 2025

Exclusive: Prince William and Kate Middleton Unveil Rare Family Photos from 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, Prince William and Kate Middleton have…
Slender Man stabber Morgan Geyser is arrested

Breaking News: Slender Man Case Update – Morgan Geyser’s Return to Psychiatric Care After Escape

A Wisconsin judge has mandated that Morgan Geyser, who was convicted in…
I was a California girl forced into Saudi Arabian servitude

California Woman Recounts Harrowing Experience of Forced Servitude in Saudi Arabia

Elise Martin had just celebrated her 20th birthday. To fellow shoppers at…
Online video reveals alleged animal sexual abuse by Interlachen man

Interlachen Resident Faces Allegations of Animal Abuse Following Disturbing Online Video Release

Authorities have seized two dogs from Brendan Hanes’ residence in Interlachen, Florida,…
Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for 'The Wire,' 'Veep' and Spike Lee films, dies at 71

Farewell to a Legend: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Isiah Whitlock Jr., Star of ‘The Wire,’ ‘Veep,’ and Spike Lee Classics

Renowned actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. has passed away, as confirmed by Liebman…