Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) announced Monday he will not seek reelection, opening up a major swing seat as Democrats try to win back control of the House in 2026.
Bacon, who represents a district won by former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, announced his retirement in what would be a competitive race for a seat Democrats have sought after since he won in 2016. The Nebraska centrist pointed to his family as a reason for him stepping away from his time in Washington come January 2027.
“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 wrote in a statement.
The congressman has developed a track record of not being afraid to push back against President Donald Trump and GOP leadership when necessary. Earlier this year, he introduced legislation, as part of an effort to combat Trump’s large tariff announcement, bringing the power back to Congress. Bacon’s announcement highlighted his legislative wins during his tenure in the lower chamber and leaned into his passion for national security.
“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,” the statement continued.
Bacon’s race was one of the most competitive in the 2024 election, but ultimately came out on top to win his fifth election for the seat. But Omaha shifting left during last month’s mayoral race was not a good sign for the congressman.
Mayoral-elect John Ewing (D-NE) beat Jean Stothert, the longest-serving incumbent mayor in the country, encouraging the party after its major loss last November. Ewing will be Omaha’s first Black mayor, after Democrats successfully tied Stothert to the unpopular part of President Donald Trump’s first few months back in office.
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“I’m on my fifth term. You accumulate votes that irritate people. If you’re a 50/50 district, you can’t take a lot of that. It’s reality. It’s part of governing,” Bacon told the Washington Examiner last month. “I just think she’s a victim of trying to go for her fourth term.”
Both Republicans and Democrats are ready to fight for this seat as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Democrats are on defense in the House, with 39 seats rated competitive compared to the 29 marked competitive for the GOP. Democrats only need a net gain of three seats to flip the House. Historically, the House flips to the party opposite the White House in the midterm elections, as it has for the last five presidencies.