Nevada voters are heading to the polls Tuesday in a midterm election that features a competitive open House seat in the state's 2nd District, where longtime Republican Rep. Mark Amodei is retiring. The race pits Republican David Flippo, a financial adviser and former Air Force lieutenant colonel, against Democrat Teresa Benitez-Thompson, who serves as chief of staff to state Attorney General Aaron Ford.
The 2nd District, which covers much of northern Nevada including Reno and Carson City, has historically leaned Republican, but Democrats see an opportunity to flip the seat as Amodei's departure leaves the GOP without an incumbent. Flippo has emphasized his military background and fiscal conservatism, while Benitez-Thompson is campaigning on her experience in state government and a platform focused on healthcare and economic opportunity.
Elsewhere in the state, Democratic incumbents Dina Titus (1st District), Susie Lee (3rd District), and Steven Horsford (4th District) are all running for reelection and are expected to hold their seats in largely Democratic-leaning districts. The most closely watched race remains the governor's contest between Republican incumbent Joe Lombardo and Democrat Aaron Ford, with polls closing in that race as well.
Polling hours in Nevada are staggered: most of the state closes at 10 p.m. EST, but some precincts in the 2nd District stay open until 11 p.m. EST due to a 2019 state law extending voting hours in certain rural counties. Decision Desk HQ will provide live results as they come in.
Political analysts view the 2nd District as a bellwether for the national mood. A strong Republican performance could signal broader gains for the GOP in the House, while a Democratic upset would bolster the party's hopes of holding the chamber. The race has attracted significant outside spending, with both parties' campaign arms pouring money into TV ads and digital outreach.
Benitez-Thompson, a former state assemblywoman, has highlighted her work on education funding and rural healthcare, while Flippo has attacked Democratic policies on energy and inflation. Both candidates have made appeals to independent voters, who make up a sizable share of the district's electorate.
As results begin to trickle in, attention will also turn to other key races across the country, including Pennsylvania's most contested House races and California's key battlegrounds, which could determine control of the House. Nevada's results will be a critical piece of the national picture.
Voters in the 2nd District have shown a willingness to split tickets in recent years, backing Democrats for governor while sending Republicans to Congress. That dynamic makes Tuesday's outcome particularly unpredictable, and both campaigns are bracing for a close finish.
Follow Decision Desk HQ's live results below for the latest updates on Nevada's House races and other contests.
