Sam Brown Sits Out Nevada House Race, Ushering in Crowded GOP Primary for Safe Republican Seat

A Near-Miss in the Senate Sets the Stage (Image Credits: Flickr)

Northern Nevada — Republican standout Sam Brown revealed Tuesday that he would forgo a bid for the congressional seat left vacant by Rep. Mark Amodei’s retirement, citing ongoing commitments at the Department of Veterans Affairs.[1][2]

A Near-Miss in the Senate Sets the Stage

Sam Brown nearly upended Nevada politics in 2024 when he fell just short of defeating incumbent Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen by about 2 percentage points.[1] The retired Army captain had built a compelling profile rooted in his service. In 2008, an IED explosion during a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan left him with severe burns, requiring 30 surgeries before his medical retirement in 2011.[3])

Brown and his wife then launched a business to aid fellow veterans. He first tested statewide waters in 2022, capturing 34 percent in the GOP Senate primary before losing to Adam Laxalt. His 2024 primary victory showcased growing support, though the general election proved razor-thin. Speculation swirled immediately after Amodei’s February announcement that Brown might pivot to the House.[4]

Duty Calls at Veterans Affairs

President Donald Trump appointed Brown as Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the VA in January 2025, a role he assumed last summer following bipartisan Senate confirmation, including votes from Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto.[1] White House outreach followed Amodei’s retirement news, with Trump likely to back him had he jumped in.[2]

In his X statement, Brown expressed gratitude for encouragement to run. “As Nevadans across our state begin to formalize their candidacies for public office, I am deeply humbled by the many friends, supporters, and community leaders who have encouraged me to return home and run to represent Northern Nevada in Congress,” he wrote. Yet he reaffirmed his priorities. “President Trump entrusted me with this sacred responsibility, and the mission before us is not yet complete. My focus remains on supporting our nation’s heroes and their families.”[5]

Amodei’s Retirement Reshapes the Landscape

Rep. Mark Amodei shocked observers on February 6 by declaring he would not seek a 16th term after holding Nevada’s 2nd District since 2011.[4] The Northern Nevada-based seat, encompassing Reno, Carson City, and rural areas, rates as R+7 on the Cook Political Report, with no Democrat ever winning it. Trump carried the district by 14 points in 2024.

Amodei won his last race with 55 percent. He pledged to stay neutral in the primary unless extremes emerged. The vacancy marks the first open contest here in 15 years, drawing national attention amid potential wave dynamics.[2]

Candidates Rush to Fill the Void

Brown’s decision unleashed a rush as Nevada’s filing window opened Monday and runs through March 13. Republicans Jesse Watts, a retired Eureka County sheriff, Jennifer Billat, and Thomas Doyle filed Day 1. Fred Simon Jr., a retired surgeon eyeing self-funding up to $1 million, joined Tuesday.[1]

Others circle: State Controller Andy Matthews, who said he is considering it; former Senate Minority Leader James Settelmeyer; Nevada Trucking Association CEO Paul Enos; conservative attorney Joey Gilbert; and Air Force veteran Tony Grady, though his camp ruled out a run.[2] Democrats include John Kerns, Kathy Durham, former Assembly leader Teresa Benitez-Thompson, and a Susie Lee-endorsed investor.

The 2nd District’s contest now promises a vigorous primary battle, testing Nevada Republicans’ post-Amodei direction. Local ties and Trump alignment could prove decisive. What do you think about the emerging field? Tell us in the comments.