Moderate Republican Rep. Don Bacon has emerged victorious in a closely contested re-election race in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. The retired military general faced off against Democratic state lawmaker Tony Vargas in a race that captured national attention during the 2024 election cycle.
Bacon's win is seen as a crucial victory for House GOP leaders as they strive to maintain their majority in the chamber. Both candidates highlighted their bipartisan efforts in the final days of the campaign, underscoring the district's status as a battleground area.
Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, which encompasses Omaha and Papillion, is considered the least red House seat in the state. Bacon's ability to secure re-election in a district that leans towards the center politically is a testament to his appeal across party lines.
Having first won the seat in 2016 by defeating incumbent Democratic Rep. Brad Ashford by a narrow margin, Bacon has consistently faced tight races in subsequent elections, often winning by slim margins of 2% or less. In the 2022 midterms, Vargas challenged Bacon and lost by approximately 2.2%.
Bacon, known for his outspoken nature and willingness to critique his own party's initiatives, retired from the Air Force as a brigadier general in 2014. His reputation as a moderate GOP lawmaker who is unafraid to voice his opinions has garnered him support from constituents across the political spectrum.
Vargas, a former teacher and member of the Omaha Public Schools Board, entered the Nebraska Legislature in 2017. Like Bacon, he unseated an incumbent from the opposing party to secure his seat, demonstrating his commitment to public service and political engagement.
The outcome of the closely watched race in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District underscores the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the ability of candidates to appeal to a diverse electorate. Bacon's victory reaffirms his position as a respected figure in Nebraska politics and a representative willing to work across party lines for the betterment of his constituents.
