Northern Nevada’s most important congressional race just got a lot clearer. Governor Joe Lombardo and Congressman Mark Amodei have both thrown their support behind former State Senate Minority Leader James Settelmeyer in the wide-open race for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District. That’s about as strong a two-man endorsement as you can get in Nevada Republican politics.
Settelmeyer is a state legislator with 16 years of experience and current director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, appointed by Governor Lombardo in 2023.
He’s not some guy who just showed up. He’s a fourth-generation Nevada rancher from Douglas County who served 16 years in the Nevada Legislature — four years in the Assembly and 12 years in the Senate representing Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, and Storey counties.
What Lombardo Said
The governor didn’t hold back.
“James is a lifelong Nevadan, a rancher, and a proven leader who has spent his career standing up for our state’s families, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses,” Lombardo wrote.
“I’m confident he will bring that same commitment to Washington and fight to ensure the voices of northern Nevada are heard.”
That’s not a tepid endorsement. That’s a full-throated push from the state’s top Republican.
Why Amodei Changed His Mind
Amodei had said he wasn’t planning to wade into the primary. Then he saw what was happening and changed course.
“While it is not my habit to get involved in Republican primaries, when I see campaigns that are driven by ambition and anxiousness to start a mud fight before the filing period was even over — I’m making an exception,” Amodei wrote.
He didn’t name names. He didn’t have to. The message was clear.
“Our next member of Congress should not be a 30-day ‘move in’ backed by a Vegas-paid manager,” Amodei wrote.
“Nevada voters appreciate and respond to a campaign that’s run on the issues and not tearing everybody else in a race apart just for perceived political advantage.”
Settelmeyer has built a record that reflects the values of rural Nevada: limited government, fiscal responsibility, protecting water rights, and keeping federal regulators off Nevada land. That’s exactly what conservatives in this district want to send to Washington.
The Other Side of the Primary
This race has a real contrast. Republican David Flippo is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and Las Vegas resident who previously announced his run in southern Nevada’s 4th Congressional District, but switched after Amodei retired.
Flippo has rolled out national endorsements from big MAGA names, including former acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell and Turning Point Action, the conservative advocacy group founded by the late Charlie Kirk.
Flippo, in his campaign announcement, said he made the switch to CD2:
“after a series of conversations with MAGA leaders, both in Washington and in Nevada.”
Why This Seat 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 is gone. And with 27 candidates in the field, things can get messy fast.
Cook Political Report rates the district R+7. But Democrats believe they have a shot to flip it. Don’t take that lightly. This seat matters for the balance of power in the House, and conservatives can’t afford to hand it to the wrong candidate.
What Conservatives Should Do
If you live in CD2, pay attention. 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.
Get informed. Know the candidates. Show up on June 9. A crowded field means a motivated minority can decide the outcome. That cuts both ways.
Settelmeyer filed with a clear statement of principle:
“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.”
Those are the right words. Now it’s up to voters to decide whether he’s the right man.
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.
