Outlets Across the Country Agree: Don Bacon is Cooked

It’s official: the race for NE-02 is heating up and Don Bacon is cooked. Outlets and prognosticators across the country are shifting the race towards Tony Vargas, citing his strong bipartisan track record and Bacon’s widely unpopular support for a nationwide abortion ban without exceptions for rape, incest, or to protect the life of a mother.

See what Nebraskans are reading about Bacon’s vulnerability and Democrats’ strength heading into November →

Inside Elections: 2022 House Overview

“Bacon is used to competitive races and this cycle is no different. He didn’t get help through the redistricting process, the political environment doesn’t look as good as it did six months ago and he’s locked in a tight race with Democratic state Sen. Tony Vargas. Move from Lean Republican to Toss-up.”

Roll call: After primaries, these 10 House members are most vulnerable 

“Public and private polling shows Bacon in a close race against state Sen. Tony Vargas. Vargas, who would be Nebraska’s first Hispanic member of Congress if elected, can point to bipartisan credentials in the state Legislature. Bacon, meanwhile, opposed abortion rights and faces potential backlash from the district’s suburban women over the Roe ruling.”

Cook Political Report: Five House Rating Changes: Bacon Moves to Toss Up, MI-03 Moves to Lean Democrat

“But Democrats and Vargas … now seizing on a 2016 questionnaire Bacon filled out for Nebraska Right to Life in which he opposed abortion exceptions for rape, incest and a mother’s life … the issue threatens to put him in a serious bind in this suburban, Biden +6 seat.”

Race to the WH – The Supreme Court’s Decision on Abortion Has Changed the Dynamic in these House Races

“On the day the decision was issued, Bacon said “it was a good day” and he has voted against bills prohibiting state officials from getting involved with people seeking abortion out of state while his opponent, State Senator, Tony Vargas has been more vocally opposed to the Dobbs decision … If the past few months are an indication of anything, that won’t play well in his increasingly left-leaning district.”

The Hill – Nebraska Democrats hope abortion fury delivers rare House win 

“Other Democratic candidates in Nebraska also see cause for optimism from the closer-than-expected special election, including state Sen. Tony Vargas (D), who is looking to unseat three-term Rep. Don Bacon (R) in Nebraska’s 2nd District.”

###