Trump Visit Ripples Through Nevada GOP

A visit from former President Donald Trump last week is echoing far beyond the ballroom where it began, quickly spilling into multiple Republican primary battles across Nevada.

Trump’s roundtable at the AC Hotel in Symphony Park drew about 200 attendees and focused on his proposed “No Tax on Tips” policy, an issue with clear relevance in a city built on tipped labor. The event also doubled as a political gathering point, attracting candidates, party officials, and activists from across the state.

Among those in attendance was 2nd Congressional District candidate David Flippo, whose appearance highlighted a growing contrast in how campaigns are unfolding in one of the nation’s largest and most rural districts.

Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District encompasses rural areas, including Elko, Winnemucca, and Carson City. While Flippo was in Las Vegas for the Trump event, a candidate forum was taking place in Fallon without him. A campaign representative attended in his place.

At the same time, fellow Republican candidate and former state Sen. James Settelmeyer was campaigning in Storey County, appearing at a local community barbecue alongside other Republican officials.

The split-screen moment underscores a broader theme emerging in the race: where candidates are spending their time, and with whom.

Questions have also surfaced about Flippo’s residency and campaign profile. Critics have alleged he primarily resides in Las Vegas while maintaining ties to Reno. His campaign has not publicly clarified those claims.

Campaign finance filings have added another layer of scrutiny. Flippo reported raising roughly $785,000, though about $760,000 of that total came from personal loans, according to Federal Election Commission disclosures. The filings also show a share of contributions originating from outside Nevada.

Settelmeyer, who entered the race in March, reported raising more than $100,000 in outside contributions over a shorter period.

The Republican primary for CD2 is on June 9.

The political aftershocks from November’s special legislative session are also shaping another Northern Nevada Republican primary.

State Sen. Lisa Krasner is facing a challenge from Republican candidate Monica Jaye Stabbert, with the debate centering on Krasner’s vote in favor of a film tax credit expansion bill.

The measure, aimed at supporting a film industry in Southern Nevada, was promoted by supporters of economic diversification. Critics, including some conservative activists, argue it represents a targeted tax incentive that favors specific industries.

Krasner, who has campaigned on fiscally conservative principles, has drawn scrutiny from some voters over that vote. Concerns raised in grassroots circles have focused on consistency and trust, though Krasner has not publicly addressed specific criticisms tied to the legislation.

Stabbert, a longtime conservative activist, has emphasized limited government and tax policy in her campaign, positioning the race as a contrast in approach to economic development.

In Southern Nevada, Trump’s visit has also become a point of contrast in the Republican primary for Clark County Commission District F.

With Democratic incumbent Justin Jones not seeking re-election, the seat is a potential opportunity for Republicans. Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama, an early entrant in the race, is facing a challenge from newcomer Albert Mack.

Mack attended Trump’s roundtable and was reportedly seated in a VIP section. Kasama did not attend the event, a decision that has drawn criticism from her opponent and others, though her campaign has not publicly commented on her schedule that day.

The race has already featured a series of public exchanges between the candidates, including disputes over past political support and campaign messaging. It has also revived criticism of Kasama’s participation in the November special session, when she voted remotely.