Overview
- Nebraska’s 2nd District, which covers Omaha’s suburbs, backed Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024, though Bacon won re-election by less than 2 percentage points last year.
- Bacon has distinguished himself as a centrist Republican willing to challenge President Trump on issues including Ukraine policy, tariffs and certifying the 2020 election results.
- House GOP leaders view his departure as a major blow to efforts to preserve their razor-thin majority in the 2026 midterms.
- Potential Republican contenders for the seat include Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson and former Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, while Democrats are gearing up to pour resources into the race.
- The open contest is expected to draw significant national attention and funding and serve as an early barometer of party fortunes next November.