Rep. Don Bacon’s “RINO” label stems from actions that diverge from conservative orthodoxy, alienating parts of the GOP base. His support for the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified same-sex marriage, drew ire from social conservatives. Votes for the January 6th Commission and Biden’s infrastructure package signaled to America First voters a willingness to cross party lines, often seen as a betrayal of grassroots priorities. Bacon’s endorsement of a national vaccine database and continued Ukraine aid further fueled perceptions of him prioritizing establishment or globalist interests over core Republican values. His recent openness to collaborating with Democrats on electing a moderate House Speaker only deepens skepticism among hardline conservatives. While Bacon’s military record and conservative rhetoric resonate in Nebraska’s competitive 2nd District, these bipartisan moves paint him as a pragmatist, risking friction with the party’s more ideological wing. This dynamic reflects broader GOP tensions, balancing electability in swing districts against demands for unwavering loyalty to the base.