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Scandal-Plagued Nevada Republican David Flippo Loses Nevada House Race
Teresa Benitez-Thompson, a social worker and former Nevada assembly leader, has flipped the state’s 2nd Congressional District for the Democrats, ending a record dating to the district’s establishment in 1982. Her win over Republican David Flippo marks a sharp change in a seat that retiring Republican Mark Amodei had held comfortably.
Flippo’s campaign faced scrutiny over false claims about his military service, questions about his finances and his move from Las Vegas to Reno to run in a district where he had no prior ties. Amodei called him a “fraud” and did not endorse him; Flippo also declined to debate Benitez-Thompson and rarely attended events beyond those friendly to him. With more than 95 per cent of votes counted, Benitez-Thompson led by about six points, compared with Amodei’s 21-point margin in 2022; she had represented parts of the district in the state assembly for 12 years.
In short
- A Democrat has won Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District for the first time.
- Benitez-Thompson leads Flippo by about six points.
- Flippo’s record and campaign conduct drew scrutiny.
Explained simply
Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District is a large area in the north of the state, including Reno. It sends one member to the US House of Representatives, where members make federal laws and represent their districts.
The seat had been held by Republicans since the district was created in 1982. Mark Amodei, the previous representative, announced he would retire; Teresa Benitez-Thompson had served for 12 years in Nevada’s state assembly and represented parts of the district.
David Flippo was the Republican candidate. His campaign drew scrutiny over claims about his military service, his finances and his move from Las Vegas to Reno, raising questions about his connection to the district.