Representative Don Bacon Announces Retirement from the House in 2026

Rep. Don Bacon, representing Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, plans to retire from Congress at the end of his term in 2026, according to multiple sources. He served five terms in the House and is expected to officially announce his decision soon.

The district, which includes Omaha, leaned towards Democratic candidates in recent elections—voting for Kamala Harris over Trump in 2024 and for Joe Biden in 2020. Bacon narrowly secured re-election last year with less than a 2-point margin, highlighting the district’s competitiveness.

While his office and campaign have not officially confirmed his retirement plans, Bacon has expressed gratitude to his supporters and colleagues on social media. His departure is likely to impact the political landscape, possibly favoring Democratic gains in the upcoming midterms, as the GOP currently holds a narrow majority.

Bacon is known for his critical stance on former President Trump’s approach to international issues, especially regarding Ukraine. Earlier this year, he criticized Trump’s perceived pro-Russian stance in the conflict and condemned what he called the president’s “moral ambiguity” concerning Ukraine.

He has criticized Trump’s comments on Ukrainian President Zelensky and Russian President Putin, asserting that Trump’s stance has damaged his credibility and that of the U.S. in the international arena. Bacon emphasized the importance of a clear moral stance during international conflicts, criticizing both Trump’s behavior and policies.