This paper describes the seismic performance evaluation of reinforced concrete bridge columns under constant and varying axial forces. For this purpose, nine identical circular reinforced concrete columns were designed seismically by KIBSE (2021) and KCI (2021). A comparison of lateral forces with theoretical strength shows that the safety factor for columns under varying axial forces is less marginal than those under constant axial forces. In addition, columns under varying axial forces exhibit significant fluctuations in the hysteretic response due to continuously varying axial forces. This is particularly prominent when many varying axial force cycles within a specific lateral loading cycle increase. Moreover, the displacement ductility of columns under varying axial forces does not meet the code-specified required ductility in the range of varying axial forces. All varying axial forces affect columns' strength, stiffness, and displacement ductility. Therefore, axial force variation needs to be considered in the lateral strength evaluation of reinforced concrete bridge columns.