The Republican primary for Senate in Nevada has been shaken up by a new contender, Jeff Gunter, who is challenging front-runner Sam Brown with a $3.3 million advertising campaign. Gunter, a wealthy dermatologist and former California Democrat, is hoping to cut into Brown’s lead in the crowded field with a MAGA message that criticizes Brown as “the newest creature to emerge from the swamp.”
Brown, a U.S. Army veteran who was severely wounded in Afghanistan, has been the dominant force in the primary race, earning the endorsement of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and raising $2.4 million in the most recent quarter. He has focused his attention on Democratic incumbent Senator Jacky Rosen, rather than engaging with his Republican rivals.
However, Gunter’s aggressive campaign has forced Brown to address him directly for the first time at a private fund-raising event. Brown dismissed Gunter as a recent transplant from California and a former Democrat, suggesting that his previous party affiliation and residence could be issues for Republican voters.
Despite Gunter’s efforts, Brown remains the strong favorite to win the primary, with a recent poll showing him leading with 58 percent of likely primary voters. Conservative political consultant Chuck Muth believes it is still Brown’s race to lose, but acknowledges that an endorsement from former President Donald Trump could sway the race in Gunter’s favor.
Gunter, who is largely self-funding his campaign, faces his own challenges, including scrutiny over his tenure as ambassador to Iceland, where he was accused of fostering a “threatening and intimidating environment” at the embassy. Gunter has defended his record and dismissed the government report as “bogus.”
As the primary race heats up, all eyes are on the showdown between Brown, the establishment favorite, and Gunter, the outsider looking to shake up the race with his deep pockets and pro-Trump message. The outcome of the primary on June 11 will be closely watched as Republicans seek to reclaim the Senate seat in Nevada.
