Governor throws his weight behind composer-turned-candidate in crowded NV-03 Republican primary
If you follow Nevada politics, you know that a Joe Lombardo endorsement carries real weight. So when the governor put his name behind Marty O’Donnell in the Republican primary for Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District, conservatives across the state took notice.
Lombardo made it official with a glowing statement:
“As a world-class composer and small business leader, Marty O’Donnell brings real-world experience and skills that will serve Nevadans well in Congress. He knows how to create opportunity, support families, and strengthen our communities.
He is committed to backing our small businesses and fighting for Nevada’s middle class, and I’m proud to endorse him for Congress in Nevada’s 3rd District.”
That’s a big deal. Lombardo doesn’t hand out endorsements lightly.
Who Is Marty O’Donnell?
Some Nevadans may know the name yet, but they’ve probably heard his work. O’Donnell is a Grammy Award-winning composer best known for scoring the wildly popular Halo video game franchise. He also ran for this same seat in 2024, finishing fourth in the GOP primary.
O’Donnell responded to the endorsement with energy:
“I am very proud to have Governor Lombardo’s support!” he said.
“Nevada Republicans are united and are ready to deliver victories up and down the ballot in November. Together, we are going to send Susie Lee packing and flip NV03 red.”
🚨 I am very proud to have Governor @JoeLombardoNV‘s support!
Nevada Republicans are united and are ready to deliver victories up and down the ballot in November.
Together, we are going to send Susie Lee packing and flip NV03 red. 🤝🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/o47qYxaQyg
— Marty O’Donnell (@MartyTheElder) March 23, 2026
NV-03 covers the southwestern Las Vegas suburbs and has been held by Democrat Susie Lee since 2019. Voter registration shifts in the district over recent cycles have made it more competitive.
Why This Race Matters
Control of the House could come down to a handful of seats. Nevada’s 3rd is one of the districts Republicans are targeting in their effort to keep and expand their majority. Flipping it would send a message that the suburbs around Las Vegas are moving right.
For conservatives who believe in limited government, lower taxes, and less Washington interference in everyday life, this seat matters. Susie Lee has voted with the big-spending Democratic agenda time and again. A Republican win here means one less vote for bloated federal budgets and government overreach.
O’Donnell comes from the world of small business and creative entrepreneurship. That’s a background conservatives can appreciate. He didn’t build his career in government. He built it by creating something people actually wanted and running an operation to deliver it.
A Crowded Primary Field
O’Donnell won’t have a clear path to the general election. He faces three other Republicans in the primary: Jeff Gunter, Aury Nagy, and Tera Anderson.
That’s a competitive field, and the Lombardo endorsement gives O’Donnell a meaningful leg up. Name recognition from the governor, plus grassroots support, is a strong combination heading into primary season.
Gunter, a former U.S. Ambassador to Iceland, has his own profile in the race. The primary will test which candidate can best consolidate Republican support before the general election fight begins.
What You Can Do
If you believe NV-03 should have a conservative voice in Congress, now is the time to get involved.
Volunteer, donate, or simply tell your neighbors why this race matters. Primary elections are decided by motivated, informed voters. Be one of them.
The general election is months away. But the primary is where the Republican nominee gets decided. Lombardo’s endorsement signals that the party’s establishment and grassroots can rally around O’Donnell.
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.
