GOP Rep. Don Bacon is facing challenges from the far-right faction of his party, who are actively campaigning against him and other Republican incumbents. This intraparty conflict has led to a breach of protocol on Capitol Hill, with members openly supporting primary challengers against their colleagues.
House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good endorsed Bacon's GOP rival, prompting Bacon to reciprocate by supporting Good's opponent. This move signifies a departure from the usual practice of not campaigning against sitting party members.
Similar conflicts are unfolding in other states, with members like Rep. Tony Gonzales in Texas and Rep. Dan Newhouse in Washington facing challenges from within their own party. The House GOP Conference has been urged by Speaker Mike Johnson to cease campaigning against each other, but the infighting persists.
The broader debate within the GOP between those open to bipartisan deals and hardliners who oppose compromises is intensifying. These primary races will shape the future makeup of the House Republican Conference and influence their agenda moving forward.
Bacon's swing seat in Nebraska, a district that Biden carried in 2020, has attracted significant attention and funding from both Democratic and GOP groups. The primary challengers are focusing on issues like national debt and immigration to undercut Bacon's position.
The Nebraska Republican Party chairman has endorsed Bacon's opponent, citing differences in values and principles. Despite concerns that the infighting could cost Republicans the seat in November, the party maintains that any candidate can win with the right effort and alignment with party principles.
National groups like the Republican Main Street Partnership are intervening in some races to support challengers against incumbents like Good. Bacon has defended his record and criticized the disunity within his party caused by the far-right faction.
As the GOP grapples with internal divisions and power struggles, the outcome of these primary races will have implications for the party's future direction and ability to govern effectively.
