Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon Expected to Retire, Opening Competitive House Seat

Nebraska Republican Representative Don Bacon, a five-term incumbent and retired Air Force brigadier general, has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, leaving an open seat in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. Bacon, known for his moderate stance and willingness to publicly criticize President Trump, has represented a suburban Omaha district that has increasingly trended left, making re-election challenging even for him. His retirement is seen as a significant opportunity for Democrats to capture the closely contested seat, which both President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Vice President Kamala Harris won by more than four points. Democrats have already fielded multiple candidates in the race, including Nebraska state Sen. John Cavanaugh and others. Bacon's tenure was marked by moderate positions such as voting against renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, opposing some Trump policies, and supporting certain defense and immigration measures. His departure weakens House Republicans' hold on a battleground district critical to maintaining their slim majority.