This year’s closely watched Senate race in Nevada has become a one-sided battle for the Republican nomination. Former Trump official Dr. Jeffrey Gunter is challenging the national party-backed candidate, former U.S. Army Captain Sam Brown, by emphasizing his support for Donald Trump and labeling Brown as a “Never Trumper.” Gunter’s well-funded campaign has put pressure on Brown, who has sought to focus on Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen and President Biden rather than directly engaging with Gunter.
Brown describes himself as a pro-America First candidate and has attempted to distance himself from the allegation of being a “Never Trumper.” He has been seeking Trump’s endorsement and has praised the former president’s vision while on the campaign trail. Despite being the only battleground Republican Senate candidate supported by the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) without Trump’s endorsement, Brown remains proactive in seeking it and has visited Mar-a-Lago in an attempt to secure Trump’s support.
Gunter, who has criticized Brown for his alleged association with establishment figures like Mitch McConnell and Nikki Haley, believes that Nevada voters are seeking honest and straightforward politicians. He pointed out Brown’s initial reluctance to endorse Trump during the previous election as a reason why he believes Nevadans are looking for a change in leadership. Gunter has also criticized the ongoing trial of Trump in New York City, describing it as “election interference.”
The Senate race in Nevada is seen as crucial for Republicans, who have struggled to secure wins in the state in recent election cycles. Both Gunter and Brown argue that they are the best candidate to challenge Rosen and flip the Senate seat for the GOP. The Rosen campaign, on the other hand, touts the senator’s bipartisan record and political independence as strengths that have benefited Nevadans. Little polling has been conducted on the race, but Brown holds a fundraising advantage and appears to pose a stronger challenge to Rosen in surveys than his Republican opponents.
Despite the competitive nature of the race, it remains unclear why Trump has not yet endorsed a candidate. Both Gunter and Brown supporters express confidence that the former president’s backing is within reach. The primaries are scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, and analysts rate the race as a toss-up or leaning towards the Democratic side. As the campaign intensifies, the focus remains on winning the support of Nevada voters and effectively communicating each candidate’s vision for the future of the state and the nation.
