Rep. Don Bacon Announces Retirement

Republican U.S. Representative Don Bacon has secured victories in his battleground Congressional district nine times over the last ten years amidst tough primaries and general elections. However, a retired Air Force general and moderate Republican from Nebraska recently mentioned that “the fire was no longer there.”

Bacon declared this summer that he won’t seek a sixth term during next year’s midterm elections. He is among 36 members of the U.S. House who have chosen not to run for re-election next year.

The uptick in retirements could very well affect the upcoming midterm elections, especially as the Republicans attempt to safeguard their slim House majority.

As Congress Ages, Discussions on Retirement Heat Up

David Wasserman, a senior editor and election analyst at The Cook Report, pointed out that retirement announcements frequently ramp up during the holiday season leading up to elections. Currently, 15 Democrats and 21 Republicans have announced their departures.

The Democrats retiring are mainly older members in their 70s and 80s, like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, while many of the younger members deciding to step down highlight the ongoing partisan divide, which has rendered the House a less inviting place to work.

Among those not seeking re-election is 53-year-old Republican Rep. Jody Arrington from Texas, who leads the House Budget Committee. Arrington noted on Fox News Digital that although public service is a lifelong commitment, it should not become a career.

Moderate Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, just 43, also announced he won’t seek re-election. In an op-ed for the Bangor Daily News, he expressed concern about the increasingly unpleasant atmosphere in Congress, saying that what he has accomplished lately pales in comparison to his role as a family member.

Bacon echoed Golden’s thoughts, stating that the prospect of winning this cycle didn’t excite him. “If you feel a little depressed about winning,” he mused, “you might as well let someone else run.”

Political Tensions Drive Departures

Former New Hampshire Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster, who left Congress a year ago, attributed her decision to the increasing dysfunction and division in Congress over her 12-year tenure. She observed that collaboration across party lines has grown more challenging.

Bacon, who relates to the older Republican ideals of Ronald Reagan, humorously expressed his position as one “caught between” extremes on both sides of the aisle.

Future Outlook

While some like Bacon and Arrington step away from politics, many others not pursuing re-election are eyeing statewide offices next year. Wasserman mentioned a belief among Republicans that President Trump may not accomplish much more in the next couple of years.

Despite the political battles evident in Congress, Bacon remains optimistic about its future, stating, “As people leave, new people come in. And I know there are good people out there.”