Rep. Don Bacon announced Monday he will not seek reelection next year in his key battleground district, leaving a House Republican seat vulnerable.

“After 30 years in the Air Force and 10 years in Congress, it’s time to spend my future with the love of my life, our four kids, and our wonderful grandchildren. Thank you, Nebraska!” Bacon said on X.

Bacon narrowly won reelection in 2024 in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District by less than two percentage points. Meanwhile, Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris won the district by nearly five points.

Democrats immediately pounced.

“The writing has been on the wall for months. Nebraskans are tired of the false promises that Republicans are trying to sell and they want real results,” said Madison Andrus, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Don Bacon’s decision to not seek reelection in 2026 is the latest vote of no-confidence for House Republicans and their electoral prospects. Next November, Nebraskans are going to elect a Democrat who will actually deliver for them.”

Several Nebraska Republicans praised him for his service. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer said Bacon had “faithfully served our country and the people of Nebraska.”

“I have enjoyed working alongside Don on many issues facing our nation, and I will miss partnering with him on solutions that strengthen our Nebraska communities,” said Fischer, who often calls Bacon by his Air Force call sign, “Bits.”

But Bacon has often drawn criticism from conservatives who say he talks one way and votes another. He insists he’s been independent and pragmatic