Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) stated in a podcast interview released on Friday, September 11, 2026, that he is considering a run for president in 2028. Bacon, who is not seeking reelection and will leave Congress in January 2027, said he would also be open to serving as a vice presidential candidate or a member of another candidate's administration.
Bacon has represented Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District since 2017. A former Air Force brigadier general, he has occasionally disagreed with President Donald Trump on matters of national security and foreign policy. Last year, Bacon announced he would not seek another term in the House, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
During the interview with the "Our Republican Legacy" podcast, Bacon said he wanted to see Republican leadership that emphasizes Christian values and decency. He also expressed a desire for a return to bipartisanship, referencing the relationship between former President Ronald Reagan and former House Speaker Tip O’Neill. Chris Vance, the executive director of the podcast, stated there is a "lane" in the 2028 race for a candidate with Bacon's traditional conservative values.
A potential Bacon candidacy or his presence on a national ticket would present Republican primary voters with a candidate who has a history of split-ticket appeal. His district has frequently voted for Democratic presidential candidates while simultaneously reelecting him. The entry of a candidate defined by sources as a "moderate" or "traditional" Republican could influence the policy platform of the Republican party, particularly regarding foreign policy and civil discourse. This occurs as other potential 2028 contenders, such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), also begin to signal their interests.
The next concrete steps in the 2028 cycle generally occur after the 2026 midterm elections. Candidates often wait until after those results to formalize their campaigns or rule out bids. Bacon will conclude his current term in the House of Representatives in January 2027. The outcome of the November 2026 election for his successor will determine which party represents Nebraska's 2nd District during the start of the 2028 presidential primary season.