Deb Fischer backs Omaha city councilman for Don Bacon’s House seat
Senator deb Fischer (R-NE) has endorsed Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding for the House seat currently held by Rep. Don Bacon, who has announced he will not seek reelection in 2026. fischer’s support highlights the backing of the Republican establishment for Harding, the vice president of the Omaha City Council, as he aims to retain the seat for the GOP. Harding has been involved in local governance since 2017 and emphasized his commitment to public safety, economic advancement, and fiscal obligation in his campaign proclamation.
Though Fischer’s endorsement may not significantly sway voters, it brings increased visibility to Harding’s campaign, particularly in a district that could be a target for Democrats, especially after the 2024 election where former Vice President kamala Harris won. Harding is also supported by former Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. Facing potential Republican challengers, Harding has assembled a campaign team with experience from prior Republican efforts and aims to convey the values of his community to Washington. The Cook Political Report identifies Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District as leaning Democratic, indicating a competitive race ahead.
Deb Fischer backs Omaha city councilman for Don Bacon’s House seat
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) endorsed Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding in his bid for Rep. Don Bacon’s (R-NE) swing House seat in 2026.
Fischer’s backing signals the Republican establishment is behind Harding, the vice president of the Omaha City Council, in his pursuit to keep the seat red. Bacon announced he would not run for reelection, and he had just won his closest race in five campaign bids for the district.
“Throughout a lifetime of service to Omaha and Nebraska, Brinker Harding has always championed public safety, economic development, and fiscal responsibility,” Fischer wrote in a post on X. “Brinker will make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. I am honored to endorse him for Congress.”
Fischer’s endorsement likely won’t move many voters, but it will bring attention to Harding’s campaign. The city councilman will need help to fend off Democrats in a district that former Vice President Kamala Harris won in 2024. The Democratic Party is expected to focus significantly on this pickup opportunity.
Harding also recently earned the endorsement of Jean Stothert, Omaha’s longest-serving mayor who recently lost reelection. She served the city from 2013 to 2025.
Harding, who has served as an Omaha city councilman since 2017, announced his campaign on Tuesday.
“I’m running for Congress to make America more like its heartland,” Harding said. “I want to take those good things we do in Omaha, like balancing the budget, [having] record-low crime [and] a strong economy, and take that to Washington and be successful.”
The Omaha city councilman could face GOP challenges from former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom and Dan Frei, who challenged Bacon in the 2024 GOP primary. Business owner Denise Powell and state Sen. John Cavanaugh have announced Democratic bids.
DON BACON WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION IN 2026 IN KEY SWING DISTRICT
Harding is hoping to distance himself from the field with a seasoned campaign team that has worked with Bacon and Fischer. “We will be the hardest working, the most organized, and we will win, not only the primary, but we will win the general election come next November,” Harding said.
The Cook Political Report rates Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District as “lean Democrat.”
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