Don Bacon fends off primary challenge from conservative hardliner in Nebraska

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) is projected to survive his GOP primary in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, putting him one step closer to reelection this fall, according to Decision Desk HQ. 

Bacon fended off a challenge from conservative hardliner and former congressional candidate Dan Frei. Frei received the backing of Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), the chair of the House Freedom Caucus, while Bacon received the backing of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). 

Bacon is running for a fifth term in the House but represents a district that President Biden won by over 6 points in 2020.  

On the Democratic side, state Sen. Tony Vargas won his primary on Tuesday. The Cook Political Report currently rates the race as “lean Republican.”

He gears up next for a rematch against state Sen. Tony Vargas (D), whom he beat in 2022 by more than two points.