Bacon not ruling out bid for White House

Rep. Don Bacon (Neb.), a moderate Republican, said he is not ruling out the possibility of running for governor or president in the future.

“I got asked the other day, ‘You say you’re interested in being an executive — is that governor or president?’ I go, ‘Yes,’” Bacon told NBC News in an interview last week in his office.

“If there’s an opportunity, and I can make a difference, a unique difference, I would like to keep serving. I just don’t want to do two-year elections,” he continued in the interview, which was published Sunday.

Bacon announced last week he would not seek reelection in his vulnerable swing district, which includes Omaha and rural areas of Nebraska. In 2024, he was one of three Republicans elected in districts that voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris over President Trump.

Bacon acknowledged it would be difficult to win a White House bid, particularly as a House member and as a Republican who still embraces Reaganism and a hawkish view of foreign policy.

“I don’t think it would be very easily done,” he said. “All I know is I have a heart to serve our country, and I have a vision.”

Bacon has made a name for himself on Capitol Hill by being willing, on occasion, to buck the president, in particular on issues of foreign policy and defense. The 61-year-old served for three decades in the Air Force.

Bacon suggested he’d be interested in serving as Defense secretary “if God opens up that door,” but said he isn’t sure a Republican president would tap him for the post.

Bacon also said he would not run for governor against Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R), who was elected in 2023 and who, NBC News reported, is a “close friend” of Bacon’s.

“I’d love to continue to serve this great country, but not in Congress after this term is over,” Bacon said in a statement to The Hill on Monday.

Updated at 10:38 a.m. EDT