Nevada Republicans are choosing a nominee Tuesday to fill the open 2nd Congressional District seat, as incumbent Rep. Mark Amodei steps down after more than a decade in office. The primary has drawn a competitive field, with financial advisor David Flippo landing former President Donald Trump's endorsement and state Sen. James Settlemeyer backed by Amodei and Gov. Joe Lombardo.
Polls close at 10 p.m. EDT, and Decision Desk HQ is tracking live results. The winner will advance to the general election in a reliably Republican district that covers much of rural Nevada, including Reno and Carson City.
Flippo, a first-time candidate, has campaigned on his business background and ties to Trump, who endorsed him via social media. Settlemeyer, a state lawmaker since 2010, emphasizes his legislative experience and support from local GOP figures. The race reflects broader national dynamics, with Trump's influence clashing with establishment endorsements.
Meanwhile, all three Democratic incumbents in Nevada's other congressional districts—Reps. Dina Titus, Steven Horsford, and Susie Lee—are running unopposed in their primaries. The state's House delegation currently has three Democrats and one Republican, but Amodei's retirement gives the GOP a chance to hold its only seat in the Silver State.
For context, similar open-seat races are unfolding elsewhere, such as Maine's gubernatorial primary, where both parties are competing to replace a term-limited governor. In Nevada, the 2nd District primary is the marquee contest, with voters also weighing in on local races and ballot measures.
Political analysts are watching whether Trump's endorsement can sway GOP voters in a district where he won by 8 points in 2020. Settlemeyer has argued that his experience in Carson City makes him the best fit to represent the district's rural and conservative interests.
As results come in, the race could signal the strength of Trump's pull in midterm-style contests. Similar dynamics are playing out in other states, including South Carolina's GOP primary to succeed Gov. Henry McMaster, where candidates are jockeying for Trump's nod.
For Nevada Democrats, the primary is a low-key affair, but the party is eyeing the general election in the 2nd District, despite its GOP lean. The winner of the GOP primary will face Democratic nominee Dr. John K. D. Smith, a Reno physician, in November.
Stay tuned for live updates from Decision Desk HQ as precincts report. The outcome will shape Nevada's congressional lineup and offer clues about voter enthusiasm ahead of the fall campaign.
