RENO, Nev. - Nevada's sole Republican congressional district opens for the first time in 15 years, with the primary testing party voters on whether they prefer a seasoned politician or a newcomer backed by President Donald Trump.

Republican Rep. Mark Amodei is retiring, leaving a vacancy in the 2nd District that spans northern Nevada. Gov. Joe Lombardo and Amodei support former state Sen. James Settelmeyer, while retired Lt. Col. David Flippo, who lacks elected experience but holds Trump's endorsement along with MAGA allies, challenges him. The primary occurs on Tuesday.

Republicans hold a strong registration edge in the district. Analysts watch the contest to gauge Trump's sway over GOP voters in the later phase of his term. Nevada Democrats aim to capture the seat despite the challenge and believe Flippo might prove vulnerable due to his Trump connections potentially alienating independents in Washoe County around Reno.

Settelmeyer entered as a leading contender with nearly two decades in the Legislature and state roles. Flippo drew notice after shifting from a southern Nevada race, renting a home in the district, and securing support from conservative organizations including Turning Point Action.

Trump backed Flippo last week following efforts by both candidates to highlight their connections to the president. Settelmeyer had co-chaired Trump's 2024 Nevada effort.

Trump posted on social media that he loves the state and its people and will not let them down, adding Flippo to strengthen that commitment.

The candidates align on key issues such as the economy, water, and land use amid federal ownership of most Nevada land. Their backgrounds and styles have thus taken center stage.

Flippo, a financial adviser, joined after prominent conservatives opted out, arguing the contest required a firm conservative voice. He has criticized Settelmeyer's record, including votes allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.

Flippo stated in an interview that he stands firmly on his values and conservative principles without a voting record to defend.

Settelmeyer highlights his legislative tenure across the Senate and Assembly plus his role leading the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He promises regular travel back to Nevada from Washington, following Amodei's example.

Settelmeyer told a Washoe Valley gathering that northern Nevada must select a local resident to represent the region in the capital.

He contrasts his deep roots with Flippo's recent arrival and limited experience. Flippo previously ran unsuccessfully in the 2024 Republican primary for the 4th District.

University of Nevada Reno political science professor Jeremy Gelman noted that two decades ago the more experienced candidate would have been favored, yet evolving Republican primary dynamics have changed that outlook.

Truckee Meadows Community College professor Fred Lokken observed that Amodei succeeded by balancing support for Trump's agenda with occasional criticism, including backing an impeachment inquiry in 2019 while opposing the final measure.

Gelman added that Trump's endorsements in other states like Louisiana and Texas proved decisive. The president appears to see Flippo as a stronger partner on national priorities for the term's remainder.

Flippo also draws support from figures like former Rep. Matt Gaetz and the Freedom Caucus Fund. Trump praised the challenger's alignment with respected MAGA advocates in Nevada.

Settelmeyer's team countered that the region deserves a representative familiar with local issues and communities rather than someone who relocated solely for the opportunity.