Don Bacon

Donald John Bacon is an American politician and retired military officer currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Bacon has held this office since 2017 and is recognized for his moderate stance within the party. His district encompasses the city of Omaha and surrounding areas, including the Offutt Air Force Base, where he has a personal connection due to his military background. Over the course of his congressional career, Bacon has participated in various legislative initiatives and has been involved in significant political discussions, particularly regarding foreign policy and election integrity.

Early life and career

Donald John Bacon was born on August 16, 1963, in Chicago Heights, Illinois. He spent his formative years on a family farm in Momence, Illinois, where he developed a strong work ethic and community ties. Bacon completed his secondary education at Grace Baptist Academy in Kankakee, graduating in 1980. He pursued higher education at Northern Illinois University, where he interned in the Washington, D.C., office of Representative Ed Madigan during his senior year in 1984, gaining early exposure to the workings of Congress.

Following his graduation, Bacon joined the United States Air Force in 1985, commissioning through the Air Force Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. His military career spanned nearly three decades, during which he specialized in various fields including electronic warfare, intelligence, reconnaissance, and public affairs. He achieved the rank of brigadier general before retiring in 2014. Throughout his service, Bacon held several significant leadership positions, including wing commander at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, as well as group and squadron commander roles at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. He also served as an expeditionary squadron commander in Iraq.

In addition to his operational roles, Bacon contributed to military strategy and public affairs at the Pentagon, where he worked as a public affairs aide for General David Petraeus. His final assignment was as the Air Force's director of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance strategy, plans, doctrine, and force development. Bacon's military service earned him numerous accolades, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, two Legion of Merits, and two Bronze Star Medals. He was recognized as Europe's top Air Force wing commander in 2009. After retiring from the military, Bacon transitioned to civilian life, serving as an aide to U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry and as an assistant professor at Bellevue University before entering politics.

House tenure

Bacon's political career began in earnest when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Nebraska's 2nd congressional district during the 2016 elections. He emerged victorious in the Republican primary and faced Democratic incumbent Brad Ashford in the general election. The race was highly competitive, with Bacon ultimately defeating Ashford by a narrow margin, marking him as the only Republican to unseat an incumbent Democrat in the 2016 House elections.

Following his initial election, Bacon was re-elected in subsequent cycles, including 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024. His re-election campaigns often featured close contests, particularly against Democratic candidates such as Kara Eastman and Tony Vargas. In the 2020 election, despite the district leaning Democratic in the presidential race, Bacon secured a larger margin of victory than in previous elections. His ability to maintain support in a district that has shown Democratic tendencies reflects his moderate approach and willingness to engage with constituents across party lines.

Throughout his tenure, Bacon has aligned himself with various factions within the Republican Party, often voting in line with the party leadership. During Donald Trump's presidency, he supported the administration's policies a significant majority of the time. However, his voting record shifted somewhat during Joe Biden's presidency, where he aligned with the Democratic position on certain issues less frequently. Bacon's willingness to work with Democrats became evident following the 2022 midterm elections, particularly when he expressed a readiness to support a moderate Republican for House leadership.

In August 2023, Bacon was identified as the first U.S. lawmaker targeted in a cyberespionage incident involving Chinese government hackers. The breach reportedly compromised campaign and personal email data, highlighting ongoing concerns about cybersecurity and foreign interference in American politics.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in Congress, Bacon has been an active participant in various legislative initiatives and has served on several committees. He is known for his involvement in foreign policy discussions, reflecting his military background and expertise in defense matters. A member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, Bacon has sought to foster collaboration between parties on key issues.

Bacon has sponsored and co-sponsored a range of legislation, including the Naming Commission and the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, demonstrating his commitment to addressing historical injustices. He also voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, indicating his support for civil rights issues. His legislative actions have positioned him as a moderate voice within the Republican Party, often advocating for policies that appeal to a broader constituency.

Bacon's approach to governance emphasizes bipartisanship and pragmatic solutions, which has allowed him to navigate the complexities of representing a district that has shown support for Democratic candidates in recent elections. His willingness to engage with both sides of the aisle has contributed to his reputation as a centrist figure in a polarized political landscape.

As he continues his service in the House, Bacon has announced plans to conclude his political career after the 2026 election, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. This decision marks a significant transition for Bacon, who has dedicated much of his life to public service, both in the military and in elected office. His tenure in Congress has been characterized by a blend of military experience and a commitment to representing the interests of his constituents in Nebraska's 2nd congressional district.