Congressman Don Bacon held a press conference on the third floor of the North Terminal at Eppley Airfield on Monday morning to formally announce his intention to retire from Congress at the end of his term.
End of an Era
Bacon highlighted legislative achievements during his tenure, including securing $1.4 billion for Offutt Air Force Base for post-flood rebuilding, $160 million for a new runway at Offutt, and $78 million for expansion at Eppley Airfield—likely why he chose the venue for his announcement.
The five-term congressman has split with his party on several occasions, much to the consternation of the conservative “MAGA” wing of the Republican Party. After his press conference, I asked Bacon why we don’t see Democrats similarly willing to break ranks with their party.
“They’ve got Jared Golden and a couple others, but you’re right,” Bacon said. “Democrats work for their leader; we work for our district. So we’ve got a different mindset on the Republican side. I prefer it being us rather than them. They’ll threaten to kick you off a committee if you do this or that. Our side will say, ‘Tell us how you’re going to vote, and work with us up front.’ We respect it. Your citizens voted for you, not us.”
The Race Is On
On Tuesday, not even 24 hours later, Omaha City Councilmember Brinker Harding announced his plan to run for Bacon’s seat. His campaign was already well underway, with endorsements lined up from former Mayor Hal Daub, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, and State Senator Kathleen Kauth.
Brett Lindstrom is expected to announce his candidacy within the next week or two. While other candidates may also enter the race, the battle lines between the conservative grassroots and the Republican establishment are already being drawn. Many supporters of Mayor Jean Stothert are quickly lining up online to support Harding, even before other candidates have officially announced. Meanwhile, Brett Lindstrom is likely to draw support from moderates and libertarian-leaning Republicans outside the establishment, creating a coalition similar to the one behind Mike McDonnell.
Bacon, however, will not endorse any candidates in the primary, though he plans to remain active in the community and on the national level. He also intends to stay in Omaha, particularly with family now rooted in the area.
“I look forward to coming home every night, and I also look forward to seeing our three adult children who are married and living in the area. We also have eight grandchildren, all within 10 minutes of our house,” Bacon said.
