A Big Decision in a Big Week
Nevada’s 2026 filing period opened on Monday, and the political world has been buzzing ever since. One of the biggest stories of the week wasn’t who jumped into a race. It was who decided to stay out of one.
Nevada Controller Andy Matthews (R) announced on Wednesday that he will not seek the open Congressional District 2 seat being vacated by retiring Rep. Mark Amodei. Instead, Matthews filed for re-election as Nevada Controller — the job he’s held since 2022.
For conservatives who had been hoping Matthews would make the jump to Congress, the news was both a disappointment and a reassurance. The man they trust to watch over Nevada’s finances is staying on the job.
What Matthews Said
Matthews issued a formal statement explaining his thinking. He didn’t take the decision lightly, saying:
“In the weeks since Congressman Mark Amodei announced he would not be running for another term as Nevada’s District 2 representative, I have been deeply humbled and honored by the outpouring of encouragement I’ve received to seek election to succeed him.”
But after careful thought, he chose a different path.
Matthews said:
“After a lot of prayer, reflection, consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided to remain in my race for a second term as Nevada Controller. This decision comes with full confidence that it is the best way for me to continue to fight for my principles at this time.”
He also made clear how much the public support meant to him:
“Thank you to the countless number of amazing Nevadans who have reached out to me with words of support as I’ve weighed this decision. The trust that so many of you have placed in me means more than I can express. It is a privilege to serve you and to count so many of you as friends.”
Why This Matters to Conservatives
Andy Matthews isn’t just any Republican officeholder. He’s a genuine limited-government conservative with a proven track record.
Before becoming Controller, Matthews served as a Nevada Assemblyman representing District 37 and as president of the Nevada Policy Research Institute. That’s Nevada’s leading free-market think tank.
Since taking office, Matthews launched Nevada’s new online checkbook at checkbook.nv.gov, giving taxpayers detailed, real-time data on state spending. That kind of transparency is exactly what conservatives mean when they talk about accountable government. Taxpayers can now see exactly where their money goes. No more guessing. No more bureaucratic runaround.
Matthews has raised $282,738 and entered the 2026 election year with $254,115 cash on hand — both record numbers for a Nevada Controller’s race at this point in the cycle. That’s a strong sign that Nevada voters want him right where he is.
The CD2 Race Moves Forward
Matthews isn’t the only high-profile Republican who decided against CD2. Former U.S. Senate candidate Sam Brown also announced he would pass on the race to remain in Washington, D.C., where he serves as undersecretary of defense for memorial affairs.
With those two names out, David Flippo — who had been planning a run in the 4th Congressional District — announced he would switch races and pursue the CD2 seat instead.
Among the names rumored to be interested in the seat is former state Sen. James Settelmeyer. Settelmeyer currently serves as Director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the Lombardo administration. He has not officially filed as of this writing.
Nevada Trucking Association CEO Paul Enos said, “I would not run against James Settelmeyer” and expressed hope that Settelmeyer “will be filing soon.”
The filing deadline is March 13th.
The race still has plenty of interested candidates, but losing Matthews and Brown changes the calculus significantly.
Matthews closed his statement with a gracious nod to the outgoing congressman and the future of the seat:
“Thank you to Congressman Amodei for your outstanding service to our state. May whoever serves as Nevada’s next Congressman in District 2 live up to the high standards you have set for leadership, patriotism, and love for Nevada.”
What Comes Next
Matthews now turns his full attention to his re-election campaign as Controller. He has pledged to reintroduce legislation creating a Nevada Office of Inspector General, to independently audit recipients of state funds if re-elected in 2026. The bill did not advance during the 2025 legislative session.
He also told supporters:
“I look forward to earning Nevadans’ trust for another term as Controller, so that our great team can continue to build on the important work we’ve already accomplished in advancing the cause of government transparency and accountability.”
For conservatives who care about someone watching the state’s checkbook with a sharp eye, that’s a promise worth holding him to.
You can learn more or support his campaign at AndyForNevada.com.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
