Nevada Primary Delivers Tight GOP Contests and Major Upsets in Key Races  

Nevada’s 2026 primary election delivered drama on both sides of the aisle, with several Republican races proving razor-thin and high-profile defeats reshaping the November general election in the “Battle Born” state. While incumbents cruised in some contests, voters delivered clear messages in others, particularly in the battle for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District and key statewide offices.

The Republican primary for Secretary of State remains one of the tightest races in the state. As of early Wednesday, election hawk Jim Marchant held a narrow lead with roughly 33% of the vote, edging out Shirley Folkins-Roberts (backed by Gov. Joe Lombardo) at about 31%. Former Assemblywoman Sharron Angle trailed in third with 26%. 

The winner will face Democratic incumbent Francisco “Cisco” Aguilar in November, setting up a potential rematch of the Aguilar-Marchant 2022 contest, which Aguilar won by just two points.

The State Treasurer Republican primary between Jeff Carter and Drew Johnson was also too close to call late Tuesday, with final tallies still pending. On the Democratic side, Deputy State Treasurer Tya Mathis-Coleman decisively defeated Assemblyman Joe Dalia, capturing over 54% of the vote.

In Reno’s nonpartisan mayoral primary, former Democratic Lt. Governor and Biden official Kate Marshall maintained a commanding lead with approximately 44-46% of the vote. However, the race for second place stayed competitive, with City Councilwoman Kathleen Taylor and businessman George “Eddie” Lorton battling in the low 20% and high teens ranges. The top two finishers advance to November.

In one of the night’s clearest upsets, retired Air Force Lt. Col. David Flippo, endorsed by President Donald Trump, defeated former state Sen. James Settelmeyer, backed by outgoing Rep. Mark Amodei (CD-2) and Gov. Joe Lombardo. Flippo built a lead of more than 10 points with the bulk of votes counted and declared victory. Settelmeyer, a fourth-generation Nevada rancher with deep local ties, fell short despite his strong roots and resume for the heavily Republican district.

Flippo will face Democrat Teresa Benitez-Thompson, who easily won her primary, in November. Though CD-2 remains a Republican stronghold, Democrats see an opening if voter fatigue with national GOP leadership plays a role.

In District 1, State Senator Carrie Buck (Trump endorsed) won the Republican primary decisively with approximately 77.7% of the vote. She will challenge longtime Democratic incumbent Dina Titus in the fall. 

In District 3, Marty O’Donnell (backed by Trump and noted for his work as a video game composer on titles like Halo) secured the GOP nomination with about 42.4% in a competitive field. He will face Democratic incumbent Susie Lee in what is expected to remain a Democratic-leaning seat. 

In District 4, rancher Cody Whipple won the Republican primary with roughly 61% of the vote and will challenge Democratic incumbent Steven Horsford in November. 

On the Democratic ticket, Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro delivered a decisive blow to State Treasurer Zach Conine, trouncing him 62% to 34% in the Attorney General primary. The Associated Press called the race early Tuesday evening. Cannizzaro, a former prosecutor, will face Republican Adriana Guzmán Fralick (Lombardo- and Trump-backed) in the fall.

The primaries also saw Gov. Joe Lombardo easily secure renomination on the GOP side, while Attorney General Aaron Ford won the Democratic nomination for governor. Several Trump-endorsed candidates performed strongly across the board.

As of Wednesday morning, counties continue processing ballots from the June 9 primary. More than 358,000 ballots have already been received and are in various stages of processing (roughly 129,000 cast in-person on Election Day and over 229,000 mail ballots). Statewide turnout is tracking low at around 20% of registered voters. 

Nevada law requires the canvass of the primary to be completed and transmitted to the Secretary of State on or before June 18, 2026. Full certification is expected shortly thereafter, with unofficial results continuing to update daily as remaining mail and provisional ballots are counted.

With battleground dynamics in play and several races still tightening as final ballots are counted, November promises high-stakes matchups that could ripple into national implications, especially for control of Congress and influence over Western policy.

California Globe will continue tracking these races as more votes are tallied and candidates gear up for the general election.