NE-02: U.S. Rep. Don Bacon considers retirement, a Nebraska lawmaker (D) interested in running for his seat

With the 2026 midterms only a year away, political groups from both sides of the aisle are pouring money and resources into Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District competitive seat. Bacon, who continues to be in the national spotlight as one of the few House Republicans to criticize the Trump administration, just had one of his best fundraising quarters. Now Bacon, 61, is poised to decide whether to pivot to private life.

State Democrats, who view Bacon’s seat as vulnerable, are still looking for a candidate. However, State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha confirmed to the Examiner that he’s exploring a possible run for Nebraska’s 2nd District, regardless of Bacon’s decision to run or not. The Omaha state senator said he had made calls to feel out a potential run last week.

When asked how the calls went, Cavanaugh said, “Everyone likes me.”

“I am deeply concerned about the failure of the Congress to protect the interests of the people of Nebraska,” Cavanaugh said. “The people of Nebraska deserve a strong voice in Washington.”

He emphasized that he hasn’t made an official decision about running and that he has no set timeline. The last Democratic-aligned state senator, Tony Vargas, who ran against Bacon, has failed twice to unseat him. After Cavanaugh confirmed his possible candidacy, Denise Powell, known for her role boosting new candidates with Women Who Run, said she is also weighing a bid.




https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-rep-don-bacon-considers-retirement-nebraska-lawmaker-interested-running-his-seat