Latest news with #Bacon
5 hours ago
- Politics
Centrist Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska won't seek reelection
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, a centrist Republican who represents Nebraska's second district with its so-called 'blue dot' that includes many progressive voters around Omaha, will not seek reelection. That's according to a person familiar with his plans and granted anonymity to discuss them Friday. Bacon is known as an independent-minded Air Force veteran who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and has been at the center of many debates in Congress. He has also been chairman of the conservative-centrist Republican Main Street Caucus in the House. First elected in 2016, he won reelection in 2024, is expected to finish his term.
New York Post
7 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Don Bacon, House GOP lawmaker critical of Trump's handling of Ukraine war, won't seek re-election: reports
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) will not seek re-election in his swing district in 2026 and instead retire from the House of Representatives, according to multiple reports. Bacon, who has served five terms in the lower chamber representing Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, is expected to make a formal announcement on Monday, Punchbowl News and the New York Times reported on Friday. Bacon's district went for Kamala Harris over President Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Getty Images The congressman's office and campaign would not confirm reports of his imminent retirement, but Bacon has shared several messages thanking him for his service on Capitol Hill on X. Bacon's district, which encompasses Nebraska's largest city, Omaha, went for former Vice President Kamala Harris over President Trump in the 2024 election. The district also voted for former President Joe Biden over Trump in the 2020 presidential contest. Bacon himself narrowly won re-election last year, defeating his Democratic opponent by less than 2 percentage points. His departure opens the door for Democrats to pick up a seat in the House, which is narrowly controlled by Republicans, after the 2026 midterm elections. Bacon, 61, has been an outspoken critic of Trump's approach to negotiations aimed at ending Russia's three-year-long war against Ukraine. Bacon has been critical of Trump's handling of the war in Ukraine. Ron Sachs/CNP / Earlier this year, he told The Post he felt Trump was taking 'a pro-Russian view' of the conflict and that the president has been 'a bit of an appeaser to Russia.' Bacon slammed Trump's 'moral ambiguity' last month after the president took aim at Russian President Vladimir Putin – calling him 'crazy' – for allowing a massive airstrike targeting Ukrainian civilians, but went on to criticize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the same post. 'The first half of this message is perfect, the rest is dumb,' Bacon said at the time. 'Trump is attacking President Zelensky while Putin bombs Ukrainian cities and it is misguided.' 'Moral ambiguity while one nation invades another is hurting Trump's credibility. Putin is making a mockery of Trump, and Trump keeps attacking Zelensky.'
Winnipeg Free Press
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Centrist Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska won't seek reelection
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, a centrist Republican who represents Nebraska's second district with its so-called 'blue dot' that includes many progressive voters around Omaha, will not seek reelection. That's according to a person familiar with his plans and granted anonymity to discuss them Friday. Bacon is known as an independent-minded Air Force veteran who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and has been at the center of many debates in Congress. He has also been chairman of the conservative-centrist Republican Main Street Caucus in the House. First elected in 2016, he won reelection in 2024, is expected to finish his term. Punchbowl News was first to report Bacon's expected decision.
Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Republican to Retire as Democrats Eye Potential House Seat: Reports
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nebraska Republican Representative Don Bacon is set to retire, according to numerous media outlets on Friday, setting the stage for Democrats to go all in on the competitive House seat. Newsweek reached out to Bacon's office in Washington, D.C., via phone Friday night and left a voicemail. Why It Matters Republicans currently maintain a slim majority in the House of Representatives, after taking control of Congress, the Senate and the White House following the 2024 elections. Bacon's decision not to run again underscores growing tensions and internal divisions within the Republican Party, particularly as moderates like Bacon have voiced concerns over the GOP's direction and the influence of its far-right faction. With Democrats looking ahead to the midterms next year, on the heels of a presidential loss and amid their own party's uncertainty, the opening of Bacon's seat presents a key opportunity. What To Know According to several media outlets on Friday, Bacon will not seek reelection. Axios reports that he will make the announcement on Monday, citing two sources familiar with the matter. The news website based in Arlington, Virginia, also says, citing a source close to the issue, that Republicans have two potential contenders to fill Bacon's seat: Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson and former Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. Bacon has served Nebraska in Congress since 2017, winning multiple competitive races in the state's 2nd Congressional District, an area that has seen increasingly close contests between Republicans and Democrats in recent election cycles. The district seat encompasses the city of Omaha, among others, and was won by both former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and ex-President Joe Biden in 2020. Bacon has distinguished himself by criticizing both the far-right faction in the House and President Donald Trump. The Nebraska Republican has publicly opposed the president on key issues like questioning his tariff powers. Margins this close in the House mean that any vacancy, particularly in a swing district like Bacon's, could significantly impact the party's legislative agenda and ability to pass bills. Republican leadership, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, has emphasized the stakes, saying that this Congress represents a mandate handed down by Trump's decisive election win. Punchbowl News was the first to report Bacon's impending plans. GOP Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska arrives for a House Republican conference at the U.S. Capitol on May 6 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by) GOP Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska arrives for a House Republican conference at the U.S. Capitol on May 6 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by) What People Are Saying Madison Andrus, spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, in a statement on Friday: "The writing has been on the wall for months. Nebraskans are tired of the false promises that Republicans are trying to sell and they want real results." Andrus added, "Don Bacon's decision to not seek reelection in 2026 is the latest vote of no-confidence for House Republicans and their electoral prospects. Next November, Nebraskans are going to elect a Democrat who will actually deliver for them." What Happens Next The contest to replace Bacon is expected to attract significant national attention and funding from both major parties. Democratic and Republican candidates are likely to contest the newly open seat in a high-profile, expensive race. The official field of candidates will form over the coming months, ahead of the 2026 primary and general elections. Further leadership and committee shifts in the House may follow, as the composition of Congress changes with each new vacancy.
The Hill
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Bacon not running for reelection: Reports
Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon will not be running for re-election and will retire in 2026, multiple outlets reported on Friday. His district, which includes Omaha, was won by former Vice President Harris in the 2024 election and presents an opportunity for Democrats to pick up the 'blue dot' district Bacon has held since 2016. The five-term lawmaker is expected to hold a press conference on Monday. The Hill has reached out to Bacon's team for comment. Bacon, a long-time critic of President Trump, has signaled his openness to retirement in recent months, per local media. His decision to step aside opens the door for Democrats in the competitive district as it seeks to gain control of the House in 2026. State Sen. John Cavanaugh (D) launched a campaign for the seat earlier this week, arguing he will fight to strengthen Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Republicans in Omaha were already delivered a blow earlier this year when a Democrat ousted the incumbent GOP mayor. Democrats have won the 2nd Congressional District's electoral vote in three of the past presidential elections.
