Trump-Endorsed Republicans Sweep Nevada Primaries, Setting Up High-Stakes Showdowns Across the Silver State

Nevada Republicans emerged from Tuesday’s primary election with a unified ticket, a roster of Trump-backed candidates, and growing confidence that 2026 could become a watershed year for the GOP in the Silver State.

From Congress to the Governor’s Mansion, Republican voters selected candidates who campaigned on lowering costs, securing the border, supporting law enforcement, and continuing the political momentum that helped President Donald Trump become the first Republican presidential candidate to carry Nevada in two decades.

Now the general election battle begins.

Lombardo and Republicans Set Sights on Aaron Ford

At the top of the ticket, Governor Joe Lombardo secured the Republican nomination and immediately turned his attention toward Democrat Attorney General Aaron Ford.

Republicans argue the race offers voters a stark contrast.

While Lombardo has focused on public safety, economic growth, and affordability, Republicans are already highlighting Ford’s record as attorney general, including his support for sanctuary-style policies, opposition to No Tax on Tips, efforts to reduce criminal penalties, and criticism surrounding his time away from the state while in office.

Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters framed the race as a referendum on leadership and priorities.

“Nevadans want to re-elect Governor Joe Lombardo because he is a fighter for public safety, lower costs, and kitchen table issues,” Gruters said. “Meanwhile, Aaron Ford doesn’t show up to work, and when he does, it’s for higher taxes, siding with illegals, and defunding the police.”

The governor’s race is expected to become one of the most closely watched contests in the country.

Trump-Endorsed Dave Flippo Wins in NV-02

In Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District, Republican voters nominated Trump-endorsed David Flippo to succeed retiring Congressman Mark Amodei.

The race drew national attention after President Trump endorsed Flippo in a competitive primary.

NRCC Spokesman Christian Martinez praised the outcome.

“President Trump-endorsed Dave Flippo is exactly the kind of conservative leader Nevada needs in Congress: someone who will fight alongside President Trump to secure the border, lower costs, unleash American energy, and put working families first,” Martinez said.

The district remains heavily Republican and is expected to remain in GOP hands in November.

Carrie Buck Takes Aim at Dina Titus

In Nevada’s 1st Congressional District, Republicans nominated Trump-endorsed Carrie Buck to challenge longtime Democrat Dina Titus.

Republicans believe changing voter registration trends and Trump’s strength with working-class and Hispanic voters have created an opportunity to make the traditionally Democratic district competitive.

Martinez said Buck offers voters a clear alternative.

“President Trump-endorsed Carrie Buck is a proven fighter for Nevada families who will take on the failed policies that have made life more expensive and communities less safe,” Martinez said.

Republicans have already begun tying Titus to votes against No Tax on Tips and broader Democratic policies they argue have contributed to rising costs.

Marty O’Donnell Advances to Face Susie Lee

Perhaps the most competitive congressional race in Nevada will take place in the 3rd Congressional District, where Trump-endorsed Marty O’Donnell advanced to face Democrat Susie Lee.

The district voted for Trump in 2024, making it one of Republicans’ top pickup opportunities nationwide.

RNC Chairman Gruters called O’Donnell “an American success story” and predicted Lee will face difficult questions throughout the campaign.

“From now until Election Day, Susie Lee will be forced to answer for why she voted against putting money back in Nevadans’ pockets with no tax on tips, overtime, and Social Security,” Gruters said.

Republicans are expected to aggressively focus on Lee’s opposition to No Tax on Tips, her investment activities, votes related to law enforcement funding, and what they characterize as an increasingly liberal voting record in a district Trump carried.

The NRCC was even more direct.

“President Trump-endorsed Marty O’Donnell will give Nevadans the opportunity to fire crooked Susie Lee, who has spent years enriching herself while ignoring the struggles of hardworking Nevada families,” Martinez said.

Cody Whipple Challenges Steven Horsford

In Nevada’s 4th Congressional District, Republicans nominated Cody Whipple to take on Democrat Steven Horsford.

Republicans are expected to focus heavily on inflation, border security, public safety, and Horsford’s support for the Biden-Harris agenda.

“Cody Whipple represents the next generation of conservative leadership Nevada needs,” Martinez said. “While radical Steven Horsford has spent years rubber-stamping the failed agenda that fueled inflation, weakened border security, and made life harder for working families, Cody Whipple will fight to lower costs, support law enforcement, strengthen Nevada’s economy, and put Nevadans first.”

Nevada Becomes the Center of the Political Map

The primary results underscore Nevada’s growing importance in national politics.

Trump carried the state in 2024 for the first time in twenty years. Republicans hold the governor’s office. Voter registration trends continue moving in the GOP’s direction. And Republicans now have competitive candidates in every major statewide and congressional race.

Taken together, Republicans believe the results demonstrate that Nevada is no longer simply a battleground state.

It is rapidly becoming one of the most important political bellwethers in America.

The primaries are over.

The fight for Nevada now begins in earnest.

 

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