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Trump-Backed Candidate Wins Nevada GOP Primary and Amodei Says Seat Is No Longer Guaranteed

Amodei warned the result makes the once-safe northern Nevada district vulnerable because the nominee prevailed with a low-turnout plurality and Republicans are only 35.5 percent of registered voters.

Overview

  • David Flippo, endorsed by President Trump, defeated James Settelmeyer in the GOP primary for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District after the June 9 voting, winning a plurality rather than a majority.
  • Outgoing Rep. Mark Amodei said the outcome means CD-2 “for the first time in its history isn’t a Republican guarantee,” citing a low-turnout primary and the district’s largest GOP registration block of 35.5 percent.
  • Flippo moved his campaign from the 4th to the 2nd District after Amodei announced his retirement, and his Trump backing overcame Amodei’s endorsement of Settelmeyer and other local establishment support.
  • Flippo will face Democratic nominee Teresa Benitez-Thompson in November, a matchup that could prompt national groups and the Cook Political Report to reassess the race’s prior “Solid Republican” rating.
  • The result underscores President Trump’s influence in state GOP contests, highlights how low turnout and a plurality winner can change race dynamics, and raises clear things to watch this summer such as fundraising, turnout, and whether party operatives shift resources to CD-2.