David Flippo, the Republican candidate for Congress in Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District, speaks during a primary election night watch party June 9, 2026, in Reno, Nev.
William Hale Irwin/AP
Despite a historical Republican stronghold, Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District is witnessing an unexpected twist. David Flippo, the GOP’s candidate endorsed by former President Trump, isn’t cruising to victory without challenges. Allegations have surfaced, questioning the authenticity of his military accolades and his genuine connection to the district.
“This seat is some kind of competitive like it has never been in the history since it was created,” said Mark Amodei, the outgoing Republican congressman who has represented the district for 15 years. “And you know what I attribute that to? I attribute it to the candidate and the way he’s run his campaign.”
The Washington Post reported discrepancies in Flippo’s military service claims, particularly around the Bronze Star for Valor. Flippo has since addressed these claims, attributing the misrepresentation to a young staffer’s error. During a public apology, he stated, “Look, part of leadership is taking ownership. It was just an honest oversight.”
Candidate blames young staff and grandkids
Flippo was seen wearing two bronze “V” pins, which he explained were placed by his grandchildren. “You know if you’ve lived with grandkids, and you know, you kind of know, when you ask them to put those things on your hat,” he remarked.
In these screenshots from David Flippo’s campaign website, the left shows a photo of his veteran hat featuring two “V” — for Valor — pins next to his Bronze Star pin. On the right is the site after NPR asked why he wears two “V” pins, showing the photo was swapped out.
Photo Illustration/NPR
Flippo’s campaign removed the contentious photo from the website following inquiries, dismissing the controversy as typical political maneuvering. He stated, “It’s just crazy what people are going to go after.”
Brand new to the district
Initially, Flippo was a congressional candidate in Las Vegas before shifting to Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District after Amodei’s retirement announcement. He moved northward, a journey spanning seven hours by car. In a campaign video with the iconic Reno arch as a backdrop, Flippo pledged his commitment to the district.
Despite a solid victory in the Republican primary with Trump’s backing, GOP super PACs have invested over $1 million in advertising to bolster Flippo’s campaign, highlighting the race’s competitive nature. “They must have gotten a poll and had a five alarm fire at headquarters and said we have to pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into that district to save this guy,” remarked Jon Ralston, a seasoned Nevada political journalist.
The top issue is affordability
Teresa Benitez-Thompson, the Democratic candidate, has been added to the DCCC’s “Red to Blue” program, signaling increased support. Known for her bipartisan efforts in the state legislature, Benitez-Thompson emphasizes her local roots and focuses on affordability issues, like high gas prices and grocery costs. “This is home,” she emphasized, contrasting her long-standing connection to the district with Flippo’s recent move.
While Benitez-Thompson engages with a diverse voter base, the district’s strong Republican and independent voter presence poses a significant challenge. Grant Sims, an independent voter, expressed skepticism towards Flippo over his Bronze Star claims, reflecting concerns that may influence voter sentiment.
As the election approaches, the affordability debate remains central, with Flippo acknowledging the challenges but supporting Trump’s policies on Iran. He highlighted his military background, noting, “My whole career was spent eating the dust and dirt there in the Middle East.”
Despite Flippo’s substantial personal investment of $1.6 million into his campaign, financial disclosure details remain pending. Meanwhile, Amodei, the retiring congressman, has refrained from endorsing Flippo, pointing to reluctance among Republicans to back him.
