In a heated debate held at a Reno casino ballroom, seven Republicans vying for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in Nevada discussed key GOP talking points, while also taking shots at front-runner Sam Brown, who opted not to attend. The debate primarily focused on issues such as increased border security, anti-abortion stances, and cutting government spending. However, the candidates spent a significant amount of time criticizing Brown, highlighting his absence and labeling him as an establishment candidate who was unwilling to face voters.
Brown, a retired Army captain with significant backing in Washington, D.C., and a formidable 2022 campaign, has emerged as a fundraising juggernaut within the crowded primary field. Nearly every candidate in the debate called out Brown for not attending and portrayed him as disconnected from voters. This combative signal from lesser-known Republicans indicates their attempt to gain ground in what was otherwise a cordial debate.
Retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and former deputy mayor of Modesto, California, Bill Conrad, who co-founded Redmove, the conservative group hosting the debate, urged voters not to support Sam Brown and instead consider the other candidates on stage. Brown’s campaign defended his decision to skip the debate, citing his comfortable lead in resources and grassroots support. This strategy of non-engagement has been employed by other campaign front-runners in the past, most notably former President Donald Trump.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Iceland, Jeff Gunter, who had also withdrawn from the debate last month, was absent from the stage as well. Gunter’s campaign spokesperson explained that he had another Republican event to speak at during the debate. Gunter took a jab at Brown, referring to him as “Scam Brown” in his statement.
The remaining candidates on stage included Jim Marchant, a former candidate for Nevada secretary of state and outspoken election denier; Tony Grady, an Air Force veteran and former candidate for lieutenant governor; Stephanie Phillips, a real estate broker; and Ronda Kennedy, an attorney.
Former President Donald Trump’s strategy of skipping primary debates in the current presidential campaign was echoed by Brown, further depriving the events of viewership and media attention. The last GOP primary debate between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley drew fewer than 2.6 million viewers.
Brown, a Purple Heart recipient, was highly sought after by Republicans in Washington, aiming to avoid a repeat of their lackluster performance in the 2022 midterm elections. Flawed GOP candidates in that election cycle had contributed to Democrats winning battleground races and maintaining the Senate majority. Brown, who was once a longshot Senate candidate, had criticized the Republican front-runner Adam Laxalt for agreeing only to a pre-recorded debate, which ultimately resulted in Laxalt’s narrow loss to incumbent Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto.
In the current election cycle, Brown has mainly focused his attacks on incumbent Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, brushing past questions about his primary opponents. However, during the recent debate, Rosen was seldom mentioned as Brown faced attacks from his fellow Republican candidates.
Overall, the Nevada Senate debate revealed a highly competitive Republican primary race, with candidates vying to distinguish themselves from front-runner Sam Brown. The absence of Brown and his significant presence in terms of resources and grassroots support has made him a focal point of criticism among his opponents. As the campaign progresses, the race to secure the Republican nomination for the crucial Senate seat from the Democrats is intensifying.
