As the November 3 general election approaches in Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District, Republican nominee David Flippo faces intensifying scrutiny over financial disclosures, military record questions, and a missing debate appearance. Meanwhile, retiring incumbent Rep. Mark Amodei has declined to endorse his party’s nominee amid a tightening race against Democrat Teresa Benitez-Thompson.
Gardnerville Debate No-Show and Campaign Stumbles
David Flippo skipped an October 8 debate at a Gardnerville community center, leaving the stage to Democratic candidate Teresa Benitez-Thompson. The event drew residents concerned about gas prices, Social Security, and public lands. Benitez-Thompson addressed the audience with policy details and emphasized her long-standing local ties.
I love this community. This is my home. Northern Nevada is where I’m going to spend the rest of my life. I’m not just here to try to campaign.
Teresa Benitez-Thompson, Democratic nominee
Flippo’s absence added to a growing list of controversies surrounding his campaign. Questions have mounted over a standard U.S. House financial disclosure that he failed to submit for his current run, mirroring an omission during his unsuccessful 2024 campaign in the 4th Congressional District. Critics have also scrutinized his presentation of a Bronze Star received during the Iraq War, which created an impression of a valor award rather than meritorious service.
Incumbent Mark Amodei Withholds Endorsement and Criticizes Tactics
The race to succeed retiring eight-term Rep. Mark Amodei has grown contentious within the Republican party itself. Amodei has refused to endorse Flippo, pointing to sharp attacks directed at primary opponent James Settelmeyer, a Minden rancher and former state official.
NEW — Retiring GOP Rep. Mark Amodei of Nevada on the current landscape: “There's absolutely no, ‘Yeah, I'd rather be us than them.' It's like everybody better button up their chin strap and be ready to play through the fourth quarter.”Amodei tells @politico he will…
— https://x.com/meredithllee/status/2111530942997442628
You run an absolutely scurrilous campaign against a guy who’s one of the nicest guys around.
Mark Amodei, U.S. Representative
Amodei also criticized Flippo’s refusal to sit for direct media interviews, noting that the campaign offered surrogates instead. The retiring congressman criticized the campaign and questioned the judgment that transformed a historically secure Republican seat into a competitive contest.
Contrasting Backgrounds in a Traditionally Secure District
Flippo is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who served 24 years, commanding more than 1,000 airmen and establishing operating bases in Iraq. After military service, he worked in Alaska’s energy sector on BP’s North Slope operations, later moving to Nevada where he operates a financial services practice and a business. He moved to Northern Nevada this year after Amodei announced his retirement, having previously run in the 4th Congressional District.
Benitez-Thompson spent twelve years in the Nevada Assembly, serving as Majority Floor Leader, and later worked as chief of staff to Attorney General Aaron Ford. A licensed clinical social worker, she emphasizes her 44 years of living in Northern Nevada and her legislative record on healthcare and the minimum wage.
| Candidate | Party | Background |
|---|---|---|
| David Flippo | Republican | Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, financial advisor, small business owner |
| Teresa Benitez-Thompson | Democrat | Licensed clinical social worker, former Assembly Majority Floor Leader, former chief of staff to the Attorney General |
Financial Disclosures and Campaign Spending Scrutiny
Financial transparency has become a focal point of the campaign. Across two congressional bids, Flippo has reported pouring more than $2.4 million into his political ambitions. A federal complaint filed by a Republican primary opponent alleged that campaign funds were improperly used for housing expenses, though Flippo has denied the claims and produced leases to support his position.
Voters head to the polls on November 3, with early voting starting soon, as outside conservative PACs direct funds to the 2nd District to support the Republican nominee in a contest that has drawn unexpected friction.
Military Service and Campaign Priorities
Flippo’s military career spanned from 1985 to 2009, during which time he participated in major campaigns including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Northern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom. As a financial advisor and business owner, his policy platform focuses on cutting federal spending, boosting domestic energy production, and lowering taxes. His supporters, including Nevada Senate Republican leader Robin Titus, M.D., of Wellington, emphasize his leadership of more than 1,000 airmen and three bases during combat operations.
While campaigning, Flippo has highlighted his military upbringing, noting that moving every two or three years shaped his early life before settling down in Nevada, which he now calls home after living in the state for 14 years. Independent American Party candidate Lynn Chapman did not respond to requests to participate in candidate profiles.