Nebraska voters in the state’s 2nd Congressional District will face a rematch between Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas, left, and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. (Candidate photos courtesy of the campaigns; Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
OMAHA — It’s official: Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon has won Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, securing a fifth term, the Associated Press declared Friday.
The AP called the race just after 5 p.m., following the latest vote report by the Nebraska Secretary of State that showed Bacon ahead of State Sen. Tony Vargas, a Democrat, by 7,150 votes.
Vargas in a statement thanked those who believed in him.
“This campaign has always been about giving a voice to working families and uniting our community. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across the aisle to help parents, seniors, and students, and I will continue that fight. “
He talked about his background and reason for stepping up. And, he said, he “will continue to serve.”
Said Vargas: “I am the son of immigrants who came here with nothing and sacrificed so much for our family. My parents worked hard so my brothers and I could get an education and decide what we wanted for our lives. That’s why I work as hard as I possibly can, every day, so that people can have that same opportunity.