Full Breakdown
Trump-Endorsed David Flippo Wins Nevada GOP Primary for 2nd Congressional District
6/11/2026, 3:15:30 AM
Flippo Secures GOP Nomination
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. David Flippo won the Republican primary for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District on June 9, 2026, defeating former state senator James Settelmeyer. The district, Nevada’s only Republican-held House seat, includes Reno, Washoe County and rural northern Nevada. Decision Desk HQ projected Flippo’s victory, later confirmed by the Associated Press. He will face Democrat Teresa Benitez-Thompson in the November general election.
Background and Endorsements
Incumbent Rep. Mark Amodei retired after 15 years, opening a contested race. Gov. Joe Lombardo and Amodei backed Settelmeyer, while President Donald Trump endorsed Flippo in the final weeks, calling him an “America First Patriot” and noting his support for a “no-tax-on-tips” proposal. The Cook Political Report rates the district “solid red,” and Trump carried it by roughly 14 points in 2024.
Key Players
The primary pitted Trump-backed Flippo against establishment-favored Settelmeyer; Democrats field former House leader Teresa Benitez-Thompson.
Timeline
Amodei’s retirement (early 2026), Trump’s endorsement (June 8, 2026), primary election (June 9, 2026).
Vote Share and Endorsement Impact
Exact vote totals were not released, but analysts cite Trump’s 14-point 2024 margin and the “solid red” rating as evidence that his endorsement was decisive, while Flippo’s recent move to the district raised residency questions.
Implications for the General Election
Flippo’s win reinforces Trump’s influence in Nevada and creates a contest in a district Democrats hoped to flip. Benitez-Thompson stresses an “authentic Nevadan voice,” while Flippo pledges to fight “relentlessly” for border security, energy, tax cuts and the “America First agenda.” The outcome may affect GOP dynamics, including the gubernatorial race between Gov. Joe Lombardo and Attorney General Aaron Ford.
Official Statements & Responses
- Trump: Flippo is an “America First Patriot” and backs a “no-tax-on-tips” plan.
- Flippo (X post): “The time has not come for a national private political organization to pick for Nevadans…”
- Rep. Amodei: Called the endorsement a “mistake.”
Criticism & Opposition
- Aaron Park (political consultant): “If anything, what the Trump endorsement of Flippo has shown is that a lot of people may assume the MAGA movement is monolithic, but now you know it’s not.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nevada deserves a fighter, and that’s exactly what I will deliver,” — David Flippo
- “I will ensure that Nevada families have an authentic Nevadan voice fighting for their needs in Washington DC,” — Teresa Benitez-Thompson, Democratic candidate
- “You’ve actually got a huge MAGA contingent that’s stood by James Settelmeyer.” — Aaron Park, Republican political consultant
What’s Next
Flippo will campaign against Benitez-Thompson in November, while Lombardo and Ford face off for governor, making Nevada’s 2026 elections a key test of Trump’s endorsement power.
