Don Bacon Announces Non-Reelection Plans

Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) shared on Monday that he will not run for re-election next year. After 30 years in the Air Force and a decade serving in Congress, he expressed a desire to spend more time with his family, saying, “It’s time to spend my future with the love of my life, our four children, and our amazing grandchildren. Thank you, Nebraska!”

This announcement comes as Congress is scrambling to finalize President Trump’s significant legislative agenda ahead of the July 4 deadline. The goal of this “big, beautiful bill” is to fulfill major campaign promises, including tax reforms and energy production.

Bacon has built a reputation as a moderate Republican who often supports Trump’s initiatives in the House. He recently voted in favor of a key legislative proposal, although there were concerns among Nebraska Republicans regarding potential Medicaid reductions tied to the bill.

Retirement Among Republicans

Senator Tom Tillis (R-N.C.) also revealed on Sunday that he will not seek re-election. Like Bacon, Tillis has been willing to confront both Trump and the Republicans on important issues, including the aforementioned bill. He was one of two Republicans to oppose a procedural vote regarding the Senate bill this past weekend.

Bacon has represented Nebraska’s second congressional district since 2017, having secured re-election in 2024 by a narrow margin.

Interestingly, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) commented on Bacon’s departure, suggesting that this was expected. A spokesperson noted that “the writing has been on the wall for several months,” implying that constituents are looking for tangible results rather than the “false promises” they perceive from Republicans.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Bacon’s district is already considered a key target for Democratic candidates. The local dynamics have shifted, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the upcoming elections.