Republicans are free to disagree during a primary. That is how voters compare candidates, examine records and decide who should carry the party’s banner. But once Republican voters have spoken, continuing to withhold support from the nominee sends the wrong message and damages the larger conservative cause.
David Flippo won the Republican nomination for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District, defeating a crowded field with approximately 47 percent of the primary vote. He now faces Democrat Teresa Benitez-Thompson in the general election. The district includes most of Northern Nevada and has elected only Republicans since its creation. Nevertheless, national Democrats have placed Benitez-Thompson in their “Red to Blue” program, bringing money, attention and organizational assistance into a race they hope to make competitive.
That should be a wake-up call for every Nevada Republican.
Some Republicans supported another candidate during the primary. Others may have concerns about Flippo’s campaign, background or political style. Those disagreements should not be ignored, but neither should they become an excuse to help elect a Democrat. Republican voters selected Flippo, and refusing to support him now effectively tells those voters that their decision will be respected only when party leaders approve of the outcome.
That is not party unity. It is a recipe for resentment, lower turnout and electoral defeat.
Flippo is running on priorities that align with Republican voters: securing the border, supporting domestic energy production, cutting taxes, defending constitutional freedoms, strengthening the military and standing with veterans. A retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and small-business owner, he has received endorsements from President Donald Trump, Governor Joe Lombardo, Northern Nevada law-enforcement organizations and numerous conservative and business groups.
Flippo’s decision to enter the 2nd District race was followed by President Trump’s endorsement, which helped unite America First voters behind his candidacy. Claims have circulated that Trump personally encouraged Flippo to leave the 4th Congressional District race and run for the open seat in Northern Nevada. Although reliable public documentation confirming that account remains limited, should it prove true, the “carpetbagger” label being used against Flippo would be unjustified. Answering a president’s call to defend a crucial Republican seat would represent party service – not political opportunism. What is firmly documented is that Trump gave Flippo his complete endorsement and urged Nevada voters to elect him.
Republicans should ask a straightforward question: Would Northern Nevada’s interests be better represented by Flippo or by a Democrat who would help her party gain control of the House?
The answer should be clear. This race is not merely about one candidate’s personality. It could affect control of Congress and determine whether Republicans can advance border security, Second Amendment protections, responsible spending, lower taxes and an America First agenda. A Democratic victory would give the national party another vote for Democratic leadership, committee control and policies conservative Nevadans have repeatedly rejected.
Refusing to support Flippo also encourages destructive political behavior. If Republicans believe a primary defeat justifies abandoning the nominee, every contested race becomes a permanent civil war. Candidates will have little reason to unite after elections, volunteers will become discouraged, donors will stop contributing and voters will conclude that Republican unity is merely an empty campaign slogan.
Unity does not require blind loyalty. Flippo should answer legitimate questions, communicate openly with voters and remain accountable to the district. Supporting the nominee does not mean surrendering the right to criticize him. It means recognizing that accountability and electoral sabotage are not the same thing.
The Republican Party cannot demand unity from grassroots voters while prominent Republicans publicly withhold support because their preferred candidate lost. Leadership means respecting the voters’ decision, even when the result is disappointing.
Nevada Republicans have too much at stake to allow personal grievances to hand a Republican-leaning seat to Democrats. The primary is over. The choice now is between David Flippo and Teresa Benitez-Thompson – and between two very different directions for Northern Nevada and the nation.
It is time to close ranks, hold Flippo accountable to the Republican platform and work to keep Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District in Republican hands.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology may have been used in the research, writing, or production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
