Don Bacon

Don Bacon is a Republican politician and retired United States Air Force Brigadier General who has represented Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District since 2017. Born and raised on a family farm in Illinois, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Northern Illinois University in 1984. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Arts in National Strategy from the National War College. Before entering politics, he served nearly 30 years in the Air Force, specializing in electronic warfare and intelligence, and commanded wings at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. Following his military retirement in 2014, Bacon worked as a military advisor to Congressman Jeff Fortenberry and as an assistant professor at Bellevue University. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016, defeating Democratic incumbent Brad Ashford. During his tenure, he has been a prominent member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee. In June 2025, Bacon announced that he would not seek re-election in the 2026 midterms, citing a desire to focus on his family.

Bacon identifies as a 'Reagan Republican' and is known for a moderate-to-conservative voting record, frequently participating in bipartisan groups like the Problem Solvers Caucus. On the economy, he supports free-market principles, including the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and advocates for reducing the national debt through spending offsets and balanced budgets. Regarding national security, he supports a robust military presence and strong alliances, particularly with Israel and Baltic nations, and has been a vocal proponent of modernization within the Department of Defense. On immigration, Bacon emphasizes border security and the construction of a border wall while also supporting a permanent legislative solution for DACA recipients. His healthcare positions focus on reducing costs and improving access for veterans and military families. While generally pro-life, having supported federal abortion restrictions, he has also joined bipartisan efforts on social issues, such as voting for the Respect for Marriage Act and supporting the creation of the January 6 Commission to investigate the 2021 Capitol attack.