Anti-Trump Republican Considering 2028 Run

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska is openly considering a potential run for president in 2028, adding another name to the early conversation over who could lead the Republican Party after President Donald Trump.

Bacon, a Republican who is preparing to leave Congress, acknowledged that running for the White House is something he would like to do. At the same time, he said he would be willing to support another Republican candidate who shares his principles.

“I won’t lie. Yes, I would love to,” Bacon said during an interview with the “Our Republican Legacy” podcast.

“But I would also be happy to be the right-hand man or left-hand man to someone else that has the same values.”

The comments come as Republicans increasingly consider what the party could look like in 2028, when Trump will be constitutionally barred from seeking another elected presidential term.

Bacon Isn’t Ready to Leave Politics Behind

Bacon is scheduled to leave Congress in January after deciding not to seek reelection, but the Nebraska Republican has made clear that his departure from Capitol Hill does not necessarily mean the end of his political career.

Whether as a presidential candidate, potential running mate or supporter of another Republican, Bacon says he wants to remain involved in determining the GOP’s future.

“But in the end, I want our values to dominate in our party,” Bacon said.

The congressman has developed a reputation for occasionally breaking with Trump, particularly on foreign policy and national security.

That could distinguish Bacon from other Republicans seeking to inherit Trump’s political coalition in 2028.

Bacon Calls for a Different Style of Leadership

Bacon’s potential pitch to Republican voters appears likely to extend beyond individual policy proposals.

He has emphasized political civility, respect for institutions and the ability to disagree with political opponents without treating them as enemies.

Bacon pointed to former President Ronald Reagan’s relationship with Democratic House Speaker Tip O’Neill as an example.

Despite major political and ideological disagreements, Reagan and O’Neill were known for maintaining a working relationship while representing opposing parties.

“I like that Ronald Reagan had Tip O’Neill at the White House at times and had a glass of scotch,” Bacon said.

Bacon argued that the country needs leaders who demonstrate “decency” and “humanity,” while also referencing Christian values and the Golden Rule.

He also said government agencies should not be used against political opponents, specifically mentioning the FBI, IRS and Justice Department.

JD Vance and Marco Rubio Loom Large in 2028

Bacon would potentially face a crowded and highly competitive Republican field if he ultimately decided to seek the presidency.

Two of the most prominent names already generating 2028 speculation are Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Vance received chants of “48” from activists at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, an apparent reference to supporters wanting him to become America’s 48th president.

Some Republicans have also discussed the possibility of a future Vance-Rubio ticket.

Trump has praised both men while discussing the party’s future, although the president has not formally selected a preferred successor.

Rubio has previously indicated that he would support Vance if the vice president ultimately becomes a presidential candidate.

With more than two years remaining before the 2028 election, however, the Republican field remains unsettled.

Bacon Points to Reagan — and Harding

Bacon’s vision for the Republican Party also draws heavily on presidential history.

In addition to Reagan, Bacon referenced Republican President Warren G. Harding and his famous 1920 campaign promise of a “return to normalcy.”

Bacon suggested there could be significant demand among voters for leaders who emphasize stability and respectful political disagreement.

“I think there’s a big yearning in American leadership that talks about respecting the other side of the aisle,” Bacon said.

His remarks indicate that a possible Bacon campaign could present itself as an alternative approach within the Republican Party while maintaining conservative positions on several major policy questions.

Immigration and National Debt Could Be Major Issues

Bacon also highlighted two subjects he believes the next president will need to confront: immigration and America’s growing national debt.

On immigration, Bacon called for what he described as a “rational immigration policy.”

“We’ve got to calibrate our immigration to some degree here. It’s obvious,” Bacon said.

The congressman argued that elected officials need to be able to have straightforward discussions about immigration policy and the country’s needs.

Federal spending and the national debt could also play an important role in Bacon’s message.

Fiscal policy has long been a major concern among conservative voters, particularly those worried about government spending, deficits and the long-term financial obligations facing future generations.

Bacon Brings Military and Congressional Experience

Bacon would enter any future presidential campaign with experience both in Congress and the U.S. military.

The Nebraska Republican is a retired Air Force brigadier general who has represented Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District since 2017.

His military background has helped make defense and national security particularly prominent issues during his congressional career.

Bacon announced last year that he would retire from the House rather than seek another term.

Even then, he left open the possibility that he could eventually pursue another position in public service.

“If there’s an opportunity, and I can make a difference, a unique difference, I would like to keep serving,” Bacon said at the time.

His latest comments now make clear that the presidency is among the possibilities he is considering.

The Race to Succeed Trump Is Beginning

No 2028 Republican presidential field has taken shape yet, and Bacon has not announced a campaign.

Nevertheless, his willingness to publicly discuss running illustrates how attention inside the Republican Party is gradually beginning to shift toward the question of who comes after Trump.

Vance and Rubio may currently attract much of the early attention, but additional Republican governors, senators and other national figures could eventually enter the conversation.

Bacon appears determined to have a voice in that debate, regardless of whether his role ultimately involves running for president himself or supporting someone else.

“There’s a part of me that wants to step out and take that risk,” Bacon said, while adding that he would also be comfortable joining another candidate’s team.

For Republican voters, the larger question extends beyond any single candidate.

The 2028 contest will help determine which elements of Trump’s political movement continue, which ones evolve and what priorities define the Republican Party’s next chapter.

Bacon is now making clear that he wants to be part of that conversation.