In the race for Nevada’s Second Congressional District, the Democratic candidate has invested in TV ads for the first time in recent memory – a sign that even districts that went for the Republican by 19 points in 2024 are on the table in 2026.

Teresa Benitez-Thompson, the Democratic candidate in Nevada’s Second, is out with a new TV ad buy this week, with a pro-wage increase and anti-data center ad in a move that’s made waves in northern Nevadan politics.

Jon Ralston, CEO of the Nevada Independent and a longtime observer of the state’s politics, commented on social media that “I actually don’t recall” when asked when the last time a Democratic congressional candidate ran ads in this district.

The move is another sign that the party infrastructure sees an opportunity in the district, which Rep. Mark Amodei won with 55% support in 2024. The runner up in that race was an independent, Greg Kidd, who received 36% support. In 2022, the last time a Democrat ran in the district, Amodei won with 60% support to the Democrat’s 38% support. 

Amodei, however, announced his retirement and his preferred successor lost the primary to David Flippo. Amodei has still refused to endorse Flippo. According to The Nevada Independent, Amodei has said there is “no way” he will endorse him. 

The race is among those that election forecasters are watching closely. As The Caucus reported earlier this week, the race is still seen as advantaging Republicans, but as more competitive than in recent history. 

In the most recent campaign finance filings, Flippo still enjoys a substantial fundraising advantage, having raised around $2.3 million this cycle compared to Benitez-Thompson’s $257,000. 

(Photo: Teresa Benitez-Thompson, via Teresa Benitez-Thompson Campaign Facebook)