Amodei Criticizes Flippo’s Candidacy, Considers Endorsing Benitez-Thompson

In a surprising political development, outgoing Congressman Mark Amodei has distanced himself from fellow Republican David Flippo, who is vying to succeed him in Congress. Amodei’s reluctance to endorse Flippo comes amid a coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and independents expressing skepticism over Flippo’s candidacy. This coalition suggests that Flippo lacks the independent perspective needed to represent Northern Nevada effectively.

Amodei’s comments came as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced that Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District (NV-02) is now considered “in play” for Democrats, marking a potential shift in a district that has been a Republican stronghold for two decades. The DCCC’s statement highlighted Teresa Benitez-Thompson’s viable path to victory, adding to the national interest in the race.

Nevada Independent: Amodei’s Stance on Flippo

• “Two cycles ago, I got a guy who couldn’t get out of a Republican Assembly primary in Clark County,” Amodei said regarding Flippo. “Last cycle, couldn’t get out of a Republican CD4 primary in Clark County, and then shows up and goes, ‘I’m the answer for CD2 because it has historically been a Republican seat, and I love Donald Trump.’ So it’s like, ‘OK, tell me about your deep love for the people you want to serve.’”

• According to Amodei, Flippo has never reached out to him. “I know who calls me and I know who doesn’t, and most of the world doesn’t, so it’s not hard to keep track of who does,” he stated.

• Amodei expressed his frustration with discussions about the transition of the congressional seat. “We’re three months out from an election result, gentlemen,” he emphasized. “Why would I be talking to you about all this stuff three months before an election? … The need to talk about transferring anything to the next holder of CD2 three months before they count the votes is — and this seems to be a consistent theme — arrogant.”

• He further questioned the dynamics of Flippo’s campaign strategy. “Are you telling me that you’re going to be telling this guy what to do?” he asked. “That his name may be on the door, but you’re the one who’s calling the shots? That’s not a message I’m going to support, just as a voter. … Those things I’ve just described to you strike me as fairly arrogant and incredibly, incredibly disrespectful to the people whose votes you want.”

• Amodei concluded by dismissing concerns over Flippo’s Northern Nevada strategy, stating, “I’m not running around worried about these two geniuses and their brand new Northern Nevadan … I’m finishing out my term strong.”

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