Nevada
New FEC reports reveal Nevada House members’ strength — and challengers who pose a threat – The Nevada Independent
Campaign finance documents submitted to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) last week are beginning to reveal what the 2026 midterms will look like in Nevada’s four congressional districts — including the incumbents’ strength, the challengers to watch and the sources of funding voters might want to know about.
What stands out in the October quarterly filings is the sheer number of self-funders taking on Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) and Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) in the 3rd and 4th Districts, respectively. Though these seats look swingy on paper, Republicans have not won either of them in a decade. A nominee who can pour hundreds of thousands of dollars of their own money into ousting the incumbents would take some of the investment pressure off the party apparatus. Several candidates fit the bill.
Of course, for self-funded candidates, high numbers do not indicate broad support. One way to better gauge early interest in candidates is the amount of unitemized donations they report. The FEC requires candidates to itemize donors’ contributions when they exceed $200, so unitemized contributions can be a good proxy for small-dollar donations.
Here’s what we noticed in each district.
Lee has lots of cash — and will need it
Lee posted strong fundraising numbers this quarter, bringing in $612,000 and ending the quarter with $1.7 million total, the most she’s ever had on hand at this point in the election cycle. Her team said that the median contribution was just $11, which signals widespread grassroots support, as does her volume of unitemized donations.
Lee’s fundraising encompasses thousands of dollars from House colleagues, especially members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, and $5,000 from the leadership PAC of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D), a possible 2028 presidential contender.
Andreessen Horowitz venture capitalists Ben Horowitz and Chris Dixon contributed as well. Horowitz surprised many when he endorsed President Donald Trump last summer before giving to Vice President Kamala Harris. Dixon this year attended a White House crypto summit and announced a major investment in Kalshi, a prediction market of the sort Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) has criticized. Lee also received $1,000 from travel guide writer Rick Steves.
As one of just 13 Democrats to win a Trump-voting district last year, Lee is considered the state’s most vulnerable Democrat and will likely need money for an expensive campaign. She has attracted the widest field of Republican challengers, and the spendiest.
It includes numerous self-funders, such as neurosurgeon Dr. Aury Nagy, who loaned his campaign $1 million on the last day of the third quarter. That amount was dwarfed by the $3 million video game composer Marty O’Donnell gave his own campaign back in the spring, but O’Donnell only added a little more this quarter, making a $7,000 contribution. Former Las Vegas mayoral candidate Tera Anderson and businessman Joshua Walters are investing thousands in their campaigns as well.
Those aren’t Lee’s only notable opponents. Since she was elected in 2018, Lee has not faced a primary challenger who reported raising any money. Cardiologist Dr. James Lally (D) changed that this month by raising $90,000, including $32,000 in unitemized donations.
His website slams Lee’s “bipartisan approach,” accusing her of voting with MAGA and taking money from casino bosses and lobbyists for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Lee received $5,000 from the committee this quarter and thousands more from gaming industry figures including former Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones Blackhurst (D), Shawn Cardinal, Diana Bennett and Yvette Landau. Lally counts political commentator and former congressional candidate Krystal Ball (D-VA) among his donors.
Horsford’s fundraising dips, but he’s still got big money
Horsford is the only Nevada House Democrat who has seen his fundraising fall and his cash on hand drop compared to this point last cycle — he raised a little more than half a million dollars and has $573,000 on hand. The difference might have to do with the fact Horsford is no longer the Congressional Black Caucus chair. But his fundraising this year is still strong, just closer to what it was before.
More than half of his donations came from PACs, including thousands of dollars from House colleagues and Beshear’s PAC. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), another possible presidential hopeful, donated $7,000. Horsford also received $5,000 from BET Media Group CEO Scott Mills, $2,500 from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, $1,000 from Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom (D), and money from Horowitz and Dixon.
Horsford’s biggest individual spend was a $40,000 list purchase from BCom; such lists can help candidates reach the voters they want to. He spent tens of thousands more paying Sena Kozar Strategies and the Strathdee Group.
The congressman has drawn two Republican challengers who have poured six figures of their own money into their campaigns, small-business owners David Flippo and Cody Whipple. They now trail Horsford in fundraising, but both have gotten support from elected officials, though from different wings of the GOP.
Flippo brought in $191,000 this quarter and has $375,000 on hand, much of which he loaned himself. His website advertises a campaign rally with Nevada GOP Chairman Michael McDonald and former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) in Las Vegas this Saturday. He also has endorsements from Reps. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Trent Kelly (R-MS) and former Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC). Jim Chilton, an Arizona rancher who spoke about illegal immigration at the Republican National Convention last year, also donated to his campaign. Flippo has been spending on radio ads on The Steve Sanchez Show and donating to groups such as the Las Vegas Young Republicans, the Republican Jewish Coalition and the Texas-based Latinos for America First.
Whipple raised $55,000 this quarter and has $185,000 after loaning himself $100,000 last quarter. His site boasts endorsements from Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT), former Rep. Cresent Hardy (R-NV) and retired Esmeralda County Sheriff Ken Elgan. The latter two gave to his campaign this quarter. Elgan’s wife, Cindy, a Republican elections clerk who Trump supporters targeted after 2020, gave to the campaign as well, as did the Agricultural Retailers Association PAC and the National Chicken Council PAC.
Titus brings in the medium bucks
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) is not known for posting gangbuster numbers in non-election years, and the $172,000 she raised this quarter in the 1st District is respectable, if not impressive. What’s more striking is her $610,000 cash on hand, which is the most she’s ever had by October of an off-year.
The bulk of her money, more than $81,000, came from other political committees. Much like her Democratic colleagues, she received money from other House members and from Beshear’s PAC.
Titus has already attracted several challengers, but the standout is state Sen. Carrie Buck (R-Henderson), whose fundraising fell just short of the congresswoman’s with $146,000 raised.
More than a fifth of that sum, $32,000, came from unitemized donations, indicating Buck could see wide support from voters. Former congressional candidate Flemming Larson (R), who lost the 2024 GOP primary in this district, donated the maximum $7,000 allowed to Buck’s campaign. Several real estate and education professionals gave as well.
Amodei sitting pretty
In the safely Republican 2nd District, quarterly fundraising reports show little for Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) to worry about.
He raised $175,000 this quarter and is sitting on a bigger war chest than he’s ever had at this point in the election cycle, $521,000. The two other 2nd District candidates who filed statements of candidacy, Kathy Durham (D) and Heath Fulkerson (R), did not submit quarterly reports.
Amodei received about a third of his money this quarter from PACs, including ones associated with the National Rifle Association to the Environmental Defense Action Fund. One of his donors is Jonathan Evans, president and CEO of Lithium Americas. Amodei has supported the company’s Thacker Pass project as it renegotiated a deal with the federal government this fall.
The congressman’s spending includes $1,000 transfers from his campaign committee to committees for Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), both of whom announced Senate bids. Amodei also ordered fundraiser supplies in late July from two cigar companies. His campaign has spent money on at least one of the two every year since 2015.
The Southern Nevada Jewish community gathered on Fremont Street to mark the first day of Hanukkah with the Grand Menorah Lighting, the religion’s symbol of light in dark times.
The event, held Sunday evening, was attended by Mayor Shelley Berkley and U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, who addressed the recent mass shooting at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia, which authorities say claimed at least 15 lives.
Hal Golblatt, director of security for Chabad of Southern Nevada, emphasized the importance of vigilance and protection after news of the mass shooting.
“6:30 this morning, I was on the phone to Metro, arranging for more security here,” he said.
The Chabad of Southern Nevada has hosted the event for the past 30 years.
“I would like to let the community know not to be afraid, not to be scared, to be loud, to be proud, have Jewish pride.” Rabbi Motti Harlig said.
He expressed his devastation over the attack, noting that one of his friends was injured but is now recovering. Tragically, another Chabad rabbi did not survive the shooting.
“The way we deal with evil, with terrorism, is that we fight it, by not running, not hiding, but going out there and showing that we’re not afraid,” Rabbi Shea Harlig said.
The event served as a reminder of the enduring message of Hanukkah: faith, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Steve Alford recaps the Pack’s 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday
Steve Alford recaps the Wolf Pack’s 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday
Nevada will go into Mountain West Conference play in a four-game winning streak, but the fourth of those wins was not easy.
The Wolf Pack ended its non-conference slate with 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday in front of an announced crowd of 7,238 fans at Lawlor Events Center.
In the final 90 seconds, Wolf Pack freshman Peyton White got a huge rebound, then hit two free throws to help the Pack go up by three
The Dukes got their first lead of the second half with 1 minute, 38 seconds left, 71-70.
Tayshawn Comer led the Pack with 16 points, White had 12 and Elijah Price had 10 points and nine rebounds as the Pack improved to 8-3.
Nevada’s Joel Armotrading and Corey Camper Jr. did not play as they are still dealing with injuries.
“We battled hard. It wasn’t our best game but we came through and got it done,” White said.
Tre Guinyard led the Dukes (6-5) with 21 points.
Nevada (8-3) opens conference play against Boise State on Saturday.
Top Takeaways
The Dukes tried to win it from the arc, going 11-33 from there, after knocking down their first two of the game.
The Pack shot 4-of-10 from the arc, and 25-of-56 from the field.
The Pack won it at the free throw line, making 24-of-32 from the line, while the Dukes hit 18-of-20 free throws.
The Pack entered the game leading the Mountain West in made free throws (20.1) and second in free throw attempts (27.1).
Duquesne held a 38-35 edge in rebounding.
Bench comes up big
The Wolf Pack got 37 points from its bench, to 20 for the Dukes, and Alford said that was a key to the win.
“There’s very few games I’ve had where your starters are all negative in points per minute and your bench is all positive,” he said. “It’s good that the starters get to see that. It’s good in learning to trust one another when you’re not playing well.”
He said the bench saved the game for the Pack, but that is a sign of the depth the team has.
Phenomenal Freshmen
Pack freshmen White and Myles Walker played substantial minutes, 23 for White and 13 for Walker. Walker scored five points, including two key free throws in the final minute.
“Myles and Peyton continue to make veteran plays,” Alford said. “That was a hotly contested game, down to the wire and you’ve got two freshmen going to the line in the last two trips and they go 4-for-4 at the line That’s big time.”
He said the pair has been consistent and they keep improving every game.
“Myles has given us a lift every time he comes in,” Alford said. “Those two give us energy.”
Walker said the Pack showed it can win even when things go wrong.
“It showed how tough this team is. Even at the end when things didn’t go right, we still found a way to win,” Walker said.
Half
Nevada led 42-35 at the break, after leading by as many as 15 earlier in the half.
The Wolf Pack shot 17-of-33 field goals and 2-of-6 from the arc along with 6-10 free throws in the first half
The Dukes shot 10-of-28 from the field; 7-18 from the arc and 8-of-10 free throws.
The Pack outscored the Dukes, 20-6, in the paint in the first half.
Up Next
Nevada opens Mountain West Conference play by hosting Boise State (7-3) at 7 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 20).
The Broncos play Saint Mary’s on Sunday (Dec 14).
Finals are over on Wednesday for the Pack players. Alford said they will take that day off from practice.
“That’s going to be a war on Saturday,” Alford said. “(Duquesne) is an A10 team (Atlantic 10 Conference). We’ve played some really good competition, so I’m very pleased with where we’re at 11 games in.”
Nevada’s Upcoming Schedule
- Saturday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. vs. Boise State (TV: KNSN, Ch, 21/Radio: 95.5 FM)
- Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Colorado State (TV: MW Network, Ch, 21/Radio: 95.5 FM)
- Saturday, Jan. 3 at Fresno State
- Tuesday, Jan. 6 vs. San Diego State
- Saturday, Jan. 10 vs. Wyoming
- Tuesday, Jan. 13 at Utah State
- Saturday, Jan. 17 at Air Force
- Tuesday, Jan. 20 vs. San Jose State
- Saturday, Jan. 24 at New Mexico
- Tuesday, Jan. 27 vs. Grand Canyon
- Friday, Jan. 30 vs. UNLV
- Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Boise State
- Saturday, Feb. 7 vs. Fresno State
- Saturday, Feb. 14 at San Diego State
- Tuesday, Feb. 17 at San Jose State
- Saturday, Feb. 21 vs. Utah State
- Tuesday, Feb. 24 vs. New Mexico
- Saturday, Feb. 28 at UNLV
- Tuesday, Mar. 3 at Wyoming
- Saturday, Mar. 7 vs. Air Force
First team
Gigi Benoualid, Coronado — The senior finished seventh at the 5A Southern Region meet (19 minutes, 26.3 seconds) and was eighth at the 5A state meet (19:41).
Scarlett Cotrone, Faith Lutheran — The junior finished 11th at the 5A Southern Region meet (19:52.4) and was ninth at the 5A state meet (19:45) to help the Crusaders win the 5A team state title.
Ryen Hughes, Shadow Ridge — The junior finished fourth at the 5A Southern Region meet (19:12.4) and was fifth at the 5A state meet (19:16).
Aislin McMahon, Sky Pointe — The junior finished second at the 5A Southern Region meet (18:54.8) and was second at the 5A state meet (19:00).
Brooke-Lynn Miller, Coronado — The senior won the 5A Southern Region individual title (18:40.8) and was seventh at the 5A state meet (19:19). She is committed to Cal Baptist.
Elynn Okuda, Shadow Ridge — The senior finished sixth at the 5A Southern Region meet (19:16.1) and was third at state (19:11).
Lacy Tippetts, Sky Pointe — The junior finished third at the 5A Southern Region meet (18:58.2) and was 13th at the 5A state meet (19:57).
Sophia Weisz, Faith Lutheran — The junior finished fifth at the 5A Southern Region meet (19:13.1) and was 10th at state (19:45) to help the Crusaders win the 5A team state title.
Coach of the year
Jeff Edwards, Faith Lutheran — Guided the Crusaders to the Class 5A team state title, the program’s fifth overall and first since 2001.
Second team
Jenna Anderson, Faith Lutheran — The sophomore finished 24th at the 5A Southern Region meet (20:34.6) and was 14th at the 5A state meet (19:57) to help the Crusaders win the team title.
Lola Borsh, Desert Oasis — The freshman finished 16th at the 5A Southern Region meet (20:16.5) and was 26th at the 5A state meet (20:26).
Katherine Hodges, Sky Pointe — The junior finished 13th at the 5A Southern Region meet (20:12.8) and was 23rd at the 5A state meet (20:18).
Lacy Mayes, Centennial — The sophomore finished eighth at the 5A Southern Region meet (19:30.6) and was 19th at the 5A state meet (20:05).
Autumn McQuirter, Liberty — The sophomore finished 15th at the 5A Southern Region meet (20:15.7) and was 12th at the 5A state meet (19:54).
Mia Musemici, Desert Oasis — The senior finished 10th at the 5A Southern Region meet (19:47.8) and was 24th at the 5A state meet (20:23).
Belle Parrel, Centennial — The freshman finished ninth at the 5A Southern Region meet (19:47.4) and was 17th at the 5A state meet (20:01).
Michelle Stana, Clark — The freshman won the 4A individual Desert League (21:19.9) and state (20:43.2) titles.
Mackenzie Teel, Sky Pointe — The senior finished 14th at the 5A Southern Region meet (20:15.5) and was 37th at the 5A state meet (20:57).
Julia Vancura, Faith Lutheran — The senior finished 12th at the 5A Southern Region meet (20:01.0) and was 21st at the 5A state meet (20:10).
Honorable mention
Mandi Abney, Shadow Ridge
Savannah Abney, Shadow Ridge
Emma Ansorge, Basic
Maleah Bennett, Centennial
Allison Blazi, Amplus Academy
Kensley Bleak, Lincoln County
Isabella Bustillos-Rivera, Desert Oasis
Ava Dupuis, Palo Verde
Isabelle Franks, Faith Lutheran
Leah Groppenbacher, Arbor View
MJ Gutierrez-Hess, Green Valley
Payton Howse, Clark
Sadie Ivins, Lincoln County
Madeline Labay, Bishop Gorman
Aubrei Lay, Sky Pointe
Selina Leipard, Clark
Ava Levy, Palo Verde
Stella Lin, Coronado
Mackenzie McClain, Sky Pointe
Adalyn Mosley, Foothill
Yalitzi Muro, Western
Elizabeth Neumann, Silverado
Julianna Ondrisko, Pahrump Valley
Sophie Romero, Pahrump Valley
Isabelle Searer, Liberty
Avery Stanton, Coronado
Eliott Stepanek, Faith Lutheran
Amira Turner, Centennial
Isla Ulmer, Coronado
Olivia Wheeler, Sky Pointe
Contact Alex Wright at awright@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AlexWright1028 on X.
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