Senate Republicans in Nevada rally behind Sam Brown, shedding their underdog status.

Army Veteran Sam Brown: From ⁢Underdog to Establishment Favorite

Army⁢ veteran Sam Brown has quickly risen from political underdog to establishment favorite as⁢ Republicans gear up for another shot at winning a Senate seat in purple Nevada.

The party came within‍ 8,000 ‍votes of defeating Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) ⁤there in one of the closest races ​of the 2022 cycle. ​The nominee then was former Attorney General Adam Laxalt, who defeated Brown, a relative political newcomer, in the Republican primary.

A New Opportunity for Brown

Despite ⁤losing ​resoundingly to Laxalt, Brown’s‍ impressive fundraising skills and compelling⁤ personal backstory caught the ⁢attention ⁣of Senate Republicans. They were ⁢searching for‌ candidates without the political‌ baggage that plagued them in the previous cycle.

In July,⁤ Brown announced his second Senate‌ run, this time challenging Nevada Democrat Jacky⁤ Rosen. Drawing on‍ his military service and Purple ⁢Heart recipient ‍status, Brown plans to emphasize his years of‍ dedication to the country. This time, however, he will have the support‌ of⁣ the ⁢Republican establishment.

Brown ⁣is ‍one of several candidates recruited by Sen. Steve Daines⁢ (R-MT), the chairman of the National Republican⁣ Senatorial Committee, marking a departure from the hands-off approach of his predecessor.

While much ‍of their focus has been on unseating Democrats⁤ in Montana and West Virginia, two states that ​supported⁤ former President Donald Trump in 2020, Daines sees Nevada as a​ crucial battleground. He believes ⁤Brown ‌can achieve what Laxalt could not.

“I think we‍ have​ a real opportunity to pick up the seat​ there,” said Sen. John Barrasso⁢ (R-WY), the No. 3 ⁤Republican in the Senate.

Strong Support from Party Leadership

The Republican⁢ Party​ leadership is openly backing Brown’s candidacy. ⁣Daines endorsed him‌ on the day he launched his campaign, followed by an endorsement‍ from⁢ Sen. ⁢Barrasso a week later.

Sen. John Thune ⁢(R-SD), the Senate⁣ minority whip, personally encouraged Brown to run, recognizing him as⁣ a terrific candidate with a compelling story. Thune‌ believes Brown’s marriage to ⁣a South Dakota ⁤native adds to⁤ his appeal.

Building ‍Momentum

While winning the nomination ‌is not guaranteed,⁤ Brown is determined to establish momentum early in his campaign. In the⁣ first week alone, his team announced a $400,000 fundraising haul, significantly surpassing his primary opponent Jim Marchant’s $111,000 raised in the second quarter.

Endorsements also play​ a crucial role in signaling support. Brown has secured the endorsement of ​Sen. ⁢Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and is receiving fundraising support from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). More endorsements are expected in the‌ near future.

Brown recently ⁣traveled ⁣to Washington to meet with Senate Republicans, gaining the endorsement ​of Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) during ‍those meetings. ⁤Other senators have expressed their inclination to endorse ⁣Brown, recognizing⁤ him as a strong candidate.

A ⁤Personal Story of Resilience

Brown’s ⁣personal story of resilience and sacrifice ⁣resonates with national Republicans. Despite not having the financial resources of other candidates, his recovery from severe burns sustained in an IED blast, requiring⁢ years of surgery ⁣and physical therapy, has garnered admiration.

If Brown defeats Marchant in the primary, his challenge in the 2024 cycle will be closely watched.⁤ Republicans view Nevada as a prime opportunity for ‌a Senate seat pickup, alongside Montana, Ohio, and⁤ West Virginia.

“I think that, you know, outside of Montana, Ohio, West Virginia — ‌it’s probably our best pickup opportunity,” said Vance.

Republicans need to gain two seats in 2024 to take control of the chamber, or just one if President Joe Biden ⁣loses reelection.

Democrats have already​ begun painting Brown as an extremist, highlighting ​his‌ right-leaning stance on election security in the previous election. In response, Brown has launched his‍ campaign with a centrist ​message, aiming to tie Rosen ⁢to what he⁣ calls the “extreme policies” of Biden.

“In ‌the military, no one asks you what party you⁤ are in. They just want to know they can count on you to get the job ⁣done,” Brown ⁤stated in his campaign announcement. “That’s the attitude ⁣we‌ need to tackle the problems of today.”

With ​his compelling story and growing support,‍ Brown is poised to make a significant impact‌ in the Nevada Senate race.

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