Bacon's retirement is viewed as a significant opportunity for Democrats to gain control of the Omaha-area district, which has shown a trend towards more liberal voting patterns in recent elections.

Bacon is the 14th member of the House to announce retirement, joining a wave of lawmakers stepping back from politics, often to spend more time with family.

Despite believing he could win reelection, Bacon emphasized the need for a new Republican candidate who can dedicate more time to the role.

He expressed pride in his bipartisan efforts during his tenure, despite facing challenges and criticism from within his own party.

Don Bacon, a centrist Republican representative for Nebraska's second district since 2016, has announced his retirement from politics, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, including his eight grandchildren.

Bacon plans to complete his term, which ends on January 2, 2027, while focusing on constituent services, having processed nearly 8,500 requests for assistance during his tenure.

Throughout his congressional career, Bacon has secured over $1.5 billion for improvements at Offutt Air Force Base and sponsored significant legislation, including the Emmett Till Antilynching Act and the STOP School Violence Act.

He made his retirement announcement at Eppley Airfield, where he highlighted his role in passing the bipartisan infrastructure bill, a contentious issue during his time in Congress.

Several Democrats, including state senator John Cavanaugh, have already announced their candidacies to contest Bacon's seat, which is seen as vulnerable for Republicans.

Before leaving office, Bacon aims to advance five agricultural bills related to the Farm Bill and continue his work on the National Defense Authorization Act and establishing a new VA hospital in Omaha.

Bacon has navigated a politically divided electorate in his district, which has historically voted for both Democratic and Republican candidates.

As a retired Air Force brigadier general, Bacon hopes to be remembered as a Christian and a traditional conservative who prioritized doing the right thing.