RINO Congressman Announces He Won’t Seek Reelection

It’s official — Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, a self-described centrist Republican and frequent critic of President Trump, has announced he will not be seeking re-election in 2026. The five-term congressman’s decision clears the way for new leadership in a key battleground district.

Bacon had hinted at this possibility earlier in the year, telling NOTUS that he was seriously considering retirement but hadn’t yet made up his mind. He called it a “family decision” and said he would finalize it by late summer. Now, that decision is in — and he’s stepping aside.

Mixed Legacy in a Divided District

According to NBC News, Bacon is expected to formally announce his retirement next week, possibly just before the House votes on President Trump’s major legislative package, nicknamed the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Bacon has long been a thorn in the side of the America First movement. He openly criticized Trump, once going so far as to compare parts of the movement to Nazis — a statement that drew sharp backlash but which he never deleted. He also voiced opposition to figures like Pete Hegseth, saying on CNN that he’d “fire” him if given the chance to choose a Defense Secretary.

An Opening for Both Parties

With Bacon out, conservatives hope this opens the door for a genuine America First candidate to step up in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. However, the district has trended blue in recent years. Vice President Kamala Harris carried it in 2024, and Democrats now see an opportunity to flip the seat in their bid to reclaim the House in the upcoming 2026 midterms.

The Political Landscape Shifts Again

Bacon’s departure is both a victory and a risk for Republicans. On the one hand, it removes a figure many on the right saw as out of step with the party’s base. On the other hand, it leaves a vulnerable district without an incumbent, and Democrats will undoubtedly pour resources into the race.

Bacon is expected to hold a press conference Monday to officially announce his decision. His team has not yet commented publicly.

Final Thoughts

Whether you viewed Bacon as a moderate voice of reason or a roadblock to conservative reform, his exit marks a significant change in the political map. What comes next for Nebraska’s 2nd District — and who will fill the gap — remains to be seen.

What’s your take on it? A win for America First? Or a risky moment for the GOP?