A wide-open race for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District is quickly becoming one of the most closely watched contests in the state, with more than two dozen candidates filing before last week’s deadline.
The surge of candidates follows U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei’s decision not to seek re-election, creating a rare open seat in a district that has long leaned Republican.
Candidate filing for the 2026 election cycle closed Friday, March 13, solidifying a crowded field that includes Republicans, Democrats, and a third-party contender, all vying to represent Nevada’s sprawling northern district.
The Republican primary is shaping up to be especially competitive, with a large field of candidates entering the race.
Among the most prominent is former state Sen. James Settelmeyer, who formally entered the race and, as of this week, stepped down from his role as director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. His resignation, effective March 27, signals a full commitment to the campaign.
Settelmeyer led the state agency overseeing natural resources, wildfire preparedness, and water management, and his departure comes as he transitions from state leadership back into electoral politics.
Other Republican candidates include David Flippo, a financial advisor who shifted his campaign from Nevada’s 4th Congressional District following Amodei’s announcement, and former Eureka County Sheriff Jesse Watts.
Several additional Republican candidates have filed, making the GOP primary one of the most crowded races on the ballot.
Democrats have also fielded a sizable slate of candidates, reflecting what many see as a potential opportunity in an open-seat race.
Among those who have filed are Greg Kidd, a venture capitalist who previously ran for the seat as an independent candidate and is now running as a Democrat, and Teresa Benitez-Thompson, a former state assemblymember currently working in the Nevada Attorney General’s Office.
Kathy Durham, a retired teacher, is also among the early entrants in the Democratic field.
Lynn Chapman of the Independent American Party has filed and will appear on the general election ballot, alongside the winners of the Republican and Democratic primaries.
Nevada’s primary election is scheduled for June 9, 2026, where both major parties will narrow their fields. The winners will advance to the general election on Nov. 3.
With such a large number of candidates, particularly on the Republican side, the primary is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the race.
Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District covers much of rural and northern Nevada, including Lyon County and Fernley, making the outcome of this race particularly relevant to local residents.
With no incumbent in the race, voters will be choosing not just between candidates, but potentially between different directions on issues ranging from public lands and water policy to economic development and federal representation for rural communities.
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