The bitter primary race for the Republican Senate nomination in Nevada is coming to a close, with many candidates shifting their focus to defeating incumbent Democrat Senator Jacky Rosen. However, runner-up Jeff Gunter continues to criticize the winner, retired Army Capt. Sam Brown, as an establishment candidate who relied on outside influence to secure the nomination. Gunter’s criticism could hinder Republican efforts to unite around Brown as they prepare for a challenging Senate race.
Gunter believes that Brown’s late endorsement from former President Donald Trump will not be enough to win over loyal Republicans who are wary of his establishment ties. Gunter suggests that Brown has a lot to prove before earning the support of conservative voters. While Gunter’s criticisms may complicate the Republican Party’s efforts to unify behind Brown, other party members, such as Nevada GOP national committeewoman Sigal Chattah, are urging Republicans to support the chosen nominee and avoid intra-party conflict.
Throughout the primary race, Brown faced criticism from within his own party for skipping debates and accused of being the hand-picked candidate of national Republicans like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Despite these challenges, Brown managed to secure the nomination and is now focusing on his campaign against Senator Rosen. Some party members, such as Chattah, have moved past the intra-party rifts and are now committed to defeating their Democratic opponent in the upcoming election.
Brown’s victory speech and campaign statements have largely ignored his opponents within the Republican Party and instead focused on his plans to challenge Rosen and President Joe Biden. While Gunter and other opponents have raised concerns about Brown’s tactics during the primary race, some, like former lieutenant governor candidate Tony Grady, have acknowledged Brown’s success in securing the nomination. Grady, who endorsed Brown after his loss, believes that Brown should have the support of his followers as he moves forward in his campaign.
Despite the internal conflicts within the Republican Party in Nevada, there is a growing sense of unity as the focus shifts towards the upcoming Senate race. While some candidates and party members have voiced their grievances with the nomination process and Brown’s campaign strategies, others are emphasizing the importance of supporting the chosen nominee in order to defeat Senator Rosen. With the primary race behind them, Republicans in Nevada are gearing up for a closely-watched Senate race that will have significant implications for the state and the country.
