Republican centrist Don Bacon will not seek reelection

By Meredith Lee Hill | 06/30/2025 06:25 AM EDT

The Nebraska lawmaker is expected to announce Monday that he’ll retire at the end of his term.

Rep. Don Bacon speaks with reporters.

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) speaking with reporters on Capitol Hill in May. Francis Chung/POLITICO

Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon will not seek reelection and plans to retire at the end of his term, according to two people familiar with his plans. The announcement is expected Monday and presents a major pickup opportunity for Democrats.

Bacon is a key GOP centrist in the House and represents one of only three Republican-held districts that Kamala Harris won in the 2024 presidential election.

Bacon has met frequently with Nebraska state Sen. Brett Lindstrom in recent months, whom Bacon allies view as the favorite to win the GOP primary to fill the seat.

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But Republicans widely believe Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson has a better chance of winning the primary, and he’s spoken with GOP operatives about the race.

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