Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon Announces 2026 Retirement Amid Key Tax Bill Debate

Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska announced he will not seek reelection after his current term, citing political dysfunction and a desire to spend more time with his family. Bacon, known for his centrist stance in a district with many progressive voters, has had to balance loyalty to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party with the preferences of his closely divided district. He remains undecided on whether to support Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," a major tax and spending package pushed by the president with a July 4 deadline, expressing concerns especially about Medicaid cuts and clean energy tax credit rollbacks included in the Senate's version. Bacon's vote is considered pivotal in the House, where Republicans have a slim majority, and he has emphasized the importance of not worsening Medicaid provisions. After leaving Congress, Bacon plans to work with groups like Legacy Republicans to advocate for a more traditional Republican platform. His retirement opens the field for candidates in Nebraska's 2nd District, with Democrats already announcing their intentions to run for the seat.