WASHINGTON – Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon, a vocal Trump critic who represents a key battleground district, announced on June 30 that he won’t seek reelection in 2026.
Bacon has represented Nebraska’s second congressional district, which includes the city of Omaha, since 2017. The district was won by former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, and Bacon’s victory last year was crucial for Republicans retaining their majority in the House.
“After three decades in the Air Force and now going on one decade in Congress, I look forward to coming home in the evenings and being with my wife and seeing more of our adult children and eight grandchildren, who all live near my home,” Bacon, 61, said in a statement.
“I’ve been married for 41 years, and I’d like to dedicate more time to my family, my church, and the Omaha community,” he said. “I also want to continue advocating for a strong national security strategy and a strong alliance system with countries that share our love of democracy, free markets and the rule of law,” he added.
Bacon has previously broken with President Donald Trump and his party. He was the lone Republican to vote against a bill codifying Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. He told The New York Times in an interview he opposed Trump’s decision to take away deportation protection for Afghans in the U.S.
His retirement is expected to open up a crowded candidate field for the seat. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had been eyeing the seat as one the party could pick up.
“Nebraskans are tired of the false promises that Republicans are trying to sell and they want real results. Don Bacon’s decision to not seek reelection in 2026 is the latest vote of no-confidence for House Republicans and their electoral prospects,” DCCC spokesperson Madison Andrus said.
National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Zach Bannon thanked Bacon for his “steadfast commitment to duty and principled leadership.”
“As we look ahead, Republicans are confident in keeping Nebraska’s 2nd District red as we maintain and expand our majority in the House,” Bannon said in a statement.
Contributing: Sarah Wire, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GOP Rep. Don Bacon won’t seek reelection, an opportunity for Democrats
