The Republican Senate primary in Nevada has become increasingly nasty as the race against incumbent Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen heats up. The contest is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country, and it has caused a division among those in former President Donald Trump’s orbit. Despite Trump’s involvement in other races, he and the National Republican Senatorial Committee are not publicly aligned in this particular race, adding to the tension.
Sen. Steve Daines, chairman of the NRSC, recruited Sam Brown, a retired Army captain who was severely injured in Afghanistan, to run in November. Brown sought Trump’s endorsement by meeting with him at his Mar-a-Lago resort, but this move has drawn the ire of many of Trump’s loyal supporters. Some are privately encouraging Trump to back Dr. Jeffrey Gunter, Trump’s former ambassador to Iceland, instead. There is uncertainty surrounding whether Trump will endorse in this race, as former state Assemblyman Jim Marchant is also running for the nomination.
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz held a rally for Gunter in Nevada, and far-right activists like Laura Loomer and Roger Stone have criticized Brown on social media for his ties to more mainstream Republicans. Brown, who previously door-knocked for Trump in 2020, has since distanced himself from the former president, leading to concerns about a potential endorsement from Trump. However, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell attended a fundraiser for Brown last year, indicating more mainstream support for his candidacy.
Critics of Brown have been sharing negative stories about Gunter with Trump to try to prevent any potential endorsement. These stories include reports that Gunter was registered as a Democrat in California and a 2021 State Department inspector general report that raised concerns about his tenure as ambassador. Gunter was encouraged by national Republicans not to enter the Senate primary, further complicating the dynamics of the race. Despite the efforts of both candidates, sources close to each insist that Trump’s top campaign officials are on their side and that there is a chance the former president will endorse their candidate.
The infighting within the Republican primary in Nevada reflects the broader political divisions within the party. As candidates vie for Trump’s endorsement and seek to align themselves with his base of supporters, tensions have escalated. The race against Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen is expected to be closely watched as one of the most competitive in the country, adding pressure to the candidates seeking the Republican nomination. With Trump’s influence looming over the race, it remains to be seen how his endorsement, if given, will impact the outcome and the future direction of the party in Nevada.
In the midst of the contentious primary, the involvement of prominent figures like Rep. Gaetz, Senate Minority Leader McConnell, and far-right activists further underscores the importance of this race. The maneuvering to influence Trump’s decision on an endorsement highlights the stakes for both Brown and Gunter, as well as their supporters. The discord within Trump’s orbit over this race exposes the divisions within the party and the challenges of navigating loyalty to the former president while appealing to a broader base of voters. Ultimately, the outcome of the Nevada Senate primary will not only determine the Republican nominee but also serve as a bellwether for the party’s future direction and unity amid internal conflicts.
