Nevada Congressman Mark Amodei is weighing in after Democrat Teresa Benitez Thompson's historic victory in Congressional District 2, saying voters wanted a candidate who could connect with the people they represent.
Benitez Thompson defeated Republican military veteran David Flippo, marking the first time CD2 has elected a Democrat.
"To make a long story short, the voters were pissed," Amodei said.
Amodei said he believes Benitez Thompson's connection to the district played an important role in the outcome.
"The candidate who prevailed has a connection with the district. I don't think you can show up in CD2 and just say it's a Republican district and I'm the Republican. That was tried this time. Didn't work. Nevadans like to make up their own minds," Amodei said.
Amodei, who represents CD2 in Congress, has been vocal about his thoughts on Flippo. However, he said he doesn't believe his own comments influenced the election.
Instead, Amodei pointed to what he described as shortcomings in Flippo's campaign, including a lack of connection with voters, an unclear message and baggage that emerged during the campaign.
Amodei also noted that Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo won CD2 by a significant margin, despite the district's congressional seat flipping to Democrats.
The congressman said he and Congresswoman-elect Benitez Thompson have not spoken since her victory but are working to schedule a conversation.
When asked whether he believes CD2 is in good hands under its incoming representative, Amodei said he would need to see how she performs in office.
"I don't know if it's in good hands or not. I got to see, you know, the proof's in the pudding. Are you earning your pay? What are you doing? Teresa is going to be an incoming freshman," Amodei said.
As Benitez Thompson prepares to take office, Amodei said he believes voters should hold their elected representatives to the same standard, regardless of political party.
"You've got somebody who's a Democrat in office now, but I think the standard for judging whether or not you're getting good value from your member of Congress is the same, regardless of who's in there. Are you tuned in? Are you responsive? And are you trying to solve problems?" Amodei said.
For the first time in 15 years, Northern Nevada will soon have a new representative in Congress. But before leaving office, Amodei is making one final push to get another public lands bill across the finish line.
Amodei said a lands bill is expected to come before the Senate in the coming weeks, and he believes lawmakers have had an opportunity to weigh in.
"We've got a land bill that'll be up week after next in the Senate. We think it's all been kind of everybody's had their chance to put their input, their outtakes, all that. So, we're hopeful about that, that we can get that done," Amodei said.
He said Nevada's congressional delegation is working together on the legislation, including Democratic U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen.
While the bill is not finalized, Amodei said its passage could address many outstanding public lands issues in Nevada.
"You never say mission accomplished, but it clears the decks for the most part on public land stuff in Nevada for the time being. And that would be nice. So that as they start the 120th Congress and those beyond that, there's not a whole bunch of stuff waiting in the queues that needs to be done, that's old," Amodei said.
Amodei said he has also spent recent weeks traveling through rural communities in Congressional District 2 to see what other issues need attention before his time in office ends.
After 15 years in Congress, questions remain about what comes next for the longtime Nevada representative.
When asked whether he plans to completely step away from politics or leave the door open for another opportunity, Amodei said he doesn't have a specific plan.
"If something interesting comes along, then I'll take a look at it," Amodei said.
For now, Amodei said he's looking forward to spending more time at home and catching up on things that have taken a back seat during his time in Congress.
"I got a bunch of stuff at my house that's been kind of waiting for me to fully concentrate over the last 15 years. My yard, my trucks, you know, that sort of stuff. So, I'm just really looking forward to being home," Amodei said.
Jaden Urban sat down with Amodei to see what he wants to get done before riding off into the sunset, or is he leaving the door open for a return?
