LAS VEGAS (AP) — Former Air Force Lt. Col. David Flippo has secured victory in the Republican primary for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District following an endorsement from President Donald Trump during the campaign’s final stretch.
Wednesday’s race results created a split between Trump and Republican Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo along with outgoing Rep. Mark Amodei, both of whom supported former state Sen. James Settelmeyer. Amodei’s retirement announcement after serving 15 years created an open and contested primary battle for Nevada’s sole Republican-controlled House seat.
Democratic party officials had hoped Flippo would prevail, believing his candidacy would help them appeal to moderate voters come November. They selected the chief of staff to state Attorney General Aaron Ford, former majority floor leader Teresa Benitez-Thompson, as their nominee.
Taking to X late Tuesday evening, Flippo expressed gratitude to Nevada voters and pledged to work alongside President Donald Trump to “fight for the hard working men and women” in Nevada.
“I will never let you down!” he posted on X.
This 2nd District contest represents just one of multiple Nevada races drawing significant attention this election cycle. In southern Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District, Democratic Rep. Susie Lee is set to challenge Marty O’Donnell, a composer recognized for creating the “Halo” video game soundtrack.
Trump carried the district in 2024 and endorsed O’Donnell, who acknowledged Trump’s support in his victory remarks.
Tuesday’s primary voting also determined the gubernatorial general election matchup, with Ford defeating a progressive opponent in the Democratic primary to advance against Gov. Lombardo. The sitting governor, previously a Clark County sheriff, campaigns on his public safety achievements and job growth record while promising housing affordability initiatives in a potential second term.
Ford connects Lombardo to Trump when addressing rising costs statewide and has committed to reducing expenses for families. His November victory would make him the state’s first Black governor.
Among other statewide contests, Republican primaries for attorney general and secretary of state featured multiple candidates who promoted election conspiracy theories or questioned election procedures. Adriana Guzmán Fralick, who has voiced voting security concerns, claimed the GOP attorney general nomination and will compete against Democratic state Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro.
The Republican secretary of state primary, overseeing election administration, included Jim Marchant, a former state lawmaker claiming the 2020 election “was probably stolen,” and Sharron Angle, a former state lawmaker involved in efforts to prevent Nevada’s 2020 election result certification. A third competitive candidate, Shirley Folkins-Roberts, is an attorney who rejects claims of widespread Nevada voting fraud.
Regarding the 2nd District race, Flippo emphasized his grasp of regional priorities including mining operations, water rights and fuel costs. He attempted to characterize Settelmeyer’s extensive political history as a disadvantage, highlighting votes he claimed conflicted with conservative principles.
Flippo relocated to this district for the current election cycle following an unsuccessful southern Nevada campaign in 2024. The 2nd District encompasses all of northern Nevada, remaining predominantly rural while including the key battleground Washoe County, where Reno is located.
