Rep. Don Bacon Says He Is Prepared to Run for President

Rep. Don Bacon Says He Is Prepared to Run for President

by

Leaving office in January after deciding not to run for reelection, Second District Rep. Don Bacon said on Tuesday he is ready to run for president.

The five-term Republican representative outlined four major issues facing the country during a wide-ranging Zoom call with reporters on Tuesday.

He pointed to the $40 trillion national debt with interest costs exceeding the defense budget, a shrinking workforce that could open doors for legal immigration reform, rising healthcare costs growing at three times the rate of inflation, and national security concerns where he has criticized the Trump administration’s lack of support for Ukraine.

Rep. Don Bacon considers testing message for potential 2028 presidential run — KETV NewsWatch 7

Bacon said that he believes the nation is ready to move past partisan attacks in favor of bipartisan solutions. Asked directly about a potential presidential campaign, he said he and his wife are prepared to take on that role right now.

“I hope somebody takes the flag. I don’t need to. I don’t need (to be) the carrier of it… I’ll just tell you, my wife and I are prepared to be that person right at this moment. But I’d like someone else to take it. I want to inspire Americans to demand more,” said Don Bacon.

Bacon plans to discuss his vision next week at the National Press Club.

Don Bacon Weighs a Presidential Run: ‘Not No, but Not Yes’ — First Alert 6

Reflecting on recent Republican losses, Bacon told reporters that voters expressed deep concerns regarding President Trump, gas prices, political chaos, narcissism, immigration, and tariffs, particularly across the Midwest. Vice President J.D. Vance was directly criticized by Bacon for bringing up Israel in an election post-mortem that also laid Republican defeats on the war in Iran.

Bacon also criticized the choice of Stephen Miller for White House chief of staff, viewing it as evidence that the administration is doubling down on a strategy that fails to deliver results. On the local front, he confirmed he has congratulated Democrat Denise Powell on her victory in the Omaha-area Second District, adding that he is actively working to ensure a smooth transition.

Rep. Bacon considers sharing agenda, may run for president if no one else steps up — KMTV 3 News Now

During the call, Bacon addressed his deliberations regarding the potential impeachment of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. While he criticized Hegseth for firing or blocking the promotions of 80 high-ranking military men and women, Bacon indicated he was leaning against impeachment because he wants to win in Iran and fears impeachment proceedings would send the wrong message.

Articles of impeachment introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie targeted Hegseth for pursuing military action without congressional authorization under the War Powers Act. Bacon acknowledged the War Powers Act is constitutional, though he described it as a “gray area.”

Rep. Bacon Discusses America's Future and 2028 Presidential Conversation — KMTV 3 News Now

Following the media call, Bacon joined all other House Republicans—with the sole exception of Massie—in voting for a procedural measure that effectively killed the impeachment effort by referring it to committee. Meanwhile, House Democrats have signaled their intention to revive the impeachment push when they assume control of the chamber in January.

Addressing legislative business on Capitol Hill, Bacon expressed frustration that the Farm Bill is unlikely to move forward during the current lame duck session. He said that the primary roadblock centers on Democratic demands to ease SNAP work requirements and reduce penalties for states struggling with high error rates.

More on this

Read next