In a significant victory that underscores former President Donald Trump's enduring influence within the Republican Party, David Flippo, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, has clinched the GOP primary to succeed the retiring Nevada Representative Mark Amodei.

The contest for Nevada’s 2nd District seat turned into a battleground not just for votes, but for the soul of the GOP in the state, pitching Trump's pick against candidates endorsed by other high-profile Nevada Republicans. Former state Senator James Settelmeyer, who had the backing of Amodei himself and GOP Governor Joe Lombardo, was seen as Flippo's main rival. However, amidst a crowded field of 13 candidates, Flippo emerged victorious on Wednesday.

This win is a part of Trump’s successful run of endorsements in the 2026 primaries, with his candidates generally outperforming expectations. This hot streak, however, was not without its setbacks, as seen in the recent Iowa gubernatorial primary.

Trump threw his support behind Flippo in a late May post on Truth Social, just weeks before Election Day, which undoubtedly helped propel Flippo to the forefront of the race. Flippo ran a campaign marked by staunch conservative stances, particularly on immigration and transgender issues, while aggressively attacking Settelmeyer as a "woke liberal" through various advertisements.

The race also highlighted internal party conflicts, with Settelmeyer’s supporters criticizing Flippo for his recent move to Reno from Las Vegas, suggesting he was a newcomer attempting to claim the district’s reliably Republican seat. Amodei himself expressed reservations, suggesting in a post on X that Trump might have erred in his endorsement.

Despite these challenges, Flippo's victory was bolstered by significant support from Trump and organizations like Turning Point Action. Heading into the general election in November, Flippo is considered the heavy favorite in a district that Trump won by a substantial margin in the 2024 presidential election.

As the GOP navigates these internal divides and looks ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, Flippo's victory could be a bellwether for the party's direction and Trump's lasting impact on its electoral fortunes.