The Torch Gets Passed
In Nevada politics, when a sitting congressman hosts your campaign kickoff fundraisers, that is about as clear a signal as you can send. And that is exactly what is happening with Nevada's CD2.
Rep. Mark Amodei, who announced his retirement in February after 15 years representing northern Nevada in Congress, is personally hosting two campaign kickoffs and fundraising receptions for James Settelmeyer. The first is scheduled for March 31 in Reno at the Tamarack. The second follows on April 7 in Minden at CVI.
This is not a casual nod. When you put your name on someone's fundraising invitation, you are lending them your network, your credibility, and your donor base. For Settelmeyer, that means access to the same people who helped Amodei hold this seat comfortably for over a decade. Also, Jesse Watts is running.
Who Is James Settelmeyer?
If you live in northern Nevada, you probably already know the name. Settelmeyer is a fourth-generation Nevadan, a cattle rancher from Gardnerville, and a man who spent 16 years in the Nevada Legislature, starting in the Assembly in 2006 and then serving in the State Senate through 2022.
He was the Republican leader in the Senate and built a record that reflects the values of rural Nevada: limited government, fiscal responsibility, protecting water rights, and keeping federal regulators off Nevada land.
Governor Joe Lombardo tapped him in 2023 to run the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, where he has been managing real issues that hit northern Nevada hard: water, wildlife, forestry, and the constant tug-of-war with federal agencies over who controls vast stretches of Nevada land.
When he filed for the CD2 race on March 6, Settelmeyer put it plainly:
“I believe in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and the power of local communities to shape their own future. I will fight to secure our borders, strengthen our economy, and preserve the freedoms that make Nevada and America exceptional.”
Why the Amodei Backing Matters
CD2 covers a huge stretch of Nevada: Reno, Carson City, and rural counties stretching from Churchill to White Pine and everywhere in between. Republicans outnumber Democrats in the district by more than 73,000 active voters. In theory, this is a safe Republican seat.
But open seats are different. The incumbent advantage disappears. Name recognition has to be built. Donors have to be re-recruited.
Amodei stepping up to host these events short-circuits a lot of that work. He is saying, in effect: I know this district, I know this candidate, and this is the person who should carry the torch. That matters to Republican donors and grassroots activists who trusted Amodei for 15 years.
The broader stakes are real. Republicans officially hold 217 seats to Democrats' 214, with three vacancies, putting them one short of the 218 needed for a working majority. California Rep. Kevin Kiley left the GOP just days ago to become an independent, though he is still caucusing with Republicans for the remainder of this term. Every open seat is a pressure point.
Democrats have already put this district in their sights, and former Democratic Assembly Majority Leader Teresa Benitez-Thompson has filed to run on their side.
A Crowded Primary Still Awaits
Amodei's backing gives Settelmeyer a significant leg up, but he still has to win a Republican primary on June 9. More than a dozen Republicans filed before the March 13 deadline, including Jesse Watts, a retired Eureka County sheriff.
Primary voters will weigh several things. Settelmeyer brings name recognition, ranching roots, 16 years of legislative experience, the Lombardo administration's backing, and now Amodei's direct support. Paul Enos, CEO of the Nevada Trucking Association, has already endorsed him personally, calling him a lifelong Nevadan who lives and serves in the state.
Some primary challengers will argue that Settelmeyer represents the establishment wing of the party and that the district needs a more aggressive fighter in Washington. That is a fair debate, and primary voters will settle it.
What Conservatives Should Do Now
This race will be decided in June, not November. In a crowded primary, the winner is almost always whoever turns out the most organized and motivated voters. That means the next few months matter a great deal.
For event information, contact Danielle Cherry at 775-410-0358 or dcherry@nvfundraiser.com. Donations can be made at JamesForNV.com.
If you believe in limited government, rural Nevada values, and protecting this House seat from a Democratic pickup, the June primary is where you make that count.
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.
