The Republican Senate primary in Nevada has become increasingly contentious, pitting former President Donald Trump’s allies against each other. The race against incumbent Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen is expected to be highly competitive, with both Trump and the National Republican Senatorial Committee remaining publicly unaligned. Steve Daines, NRSC chairman, recruited Sam Brown, a retired Army captain severely injured in Afghanistan, to run in November. Brown met with Trump seeking his endorsement, but Trump’s staunchest supporters are privately pushing for Dr. Jeffrey Gunter, former ambassador to Iceland, instead.
While it remains unclear whether Trump will endorse in the Nevada Senate race, the presence of other candidates, such as former state Assemblyman Jim Marchant, who has promoted election fraud conspiracy theories, adds further complexity. Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz held a rally for Gunter in Nevada recently, with far-right activists like Laura Loomer and Roger Stone criticizing Brown for his ties to more mainstream Republicans. Brown had previously door-knocked for Trump in 2020 but later appeared to distance himself from the former president, creating uncertainty around potential endorsements.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell attended a fundraiser for Brown last year, indicating more mainstream support for his candidacy. Criticisms of Brown and Gunter have been funneled to Trump, with negative stories about Gunter’s past, including being registered as a Democrat in California and a negative State Department report on his ambassadorial tenure, being highlighted. Gunter was reportedly urged not to enter the Senate primary by national Republicans, raising questions about his candidacy’s viability in the eyes of party insiders.
Despite the tensions within Trump’s orbit and the conflicting interests at play, both Brown and Gunter believe they have the backing of top campaign officials close to the former president. With efforts to sway Trump in their favor, both candidates retain hope of receiving his endorsement in the crucial Nevada Senate race. The division among Trump’s allies underscores the complex dynamics at play within the Republican Party, as factions vie for the former president’s support in key races across the country. Ultimately, the direction of the Nevada Senate primary will depend on Trump’s decision and the implications it may have for the broader Republican campaign strategy.
