Washoe County, Nev. – In a dramatic move that underscores the importance of party unity, the Washoe County Republican Party’s Central Committee voted Monday night to withdraw its recognition of U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei as a Republican. The decision follows Amodei’s public admission that he voted for Independent American Party candidate Lynn Chapman rather than the party’s sole Republican on the ballot, David Flippo.
Party leaders voice betrayal
Washoe GOP Chairman Bruce Parks told reporters the committee felt “betrayed” by Amodei’s actions. “At some point in time you have to look yourself in the mirror,” Amodei said in a recent CNN interview, adding, “I ain’t looking in that mirror having voted for the Republican this time.” Parks countered, “If you can’t support the candidate, okay, that’s your decision, but you don’t have to go public about it. Keep it to yourself.”
Unanimous vote to disassociate
The Central Committee’s vote was unanimous. “It was vigorously debated, and then a vote was taken and the vote was unanimous that we no longer recognize Congressman Amodei as a Republican,” Parks said. The committee emphasized that the move was driven more by Amodei’s public method of dissent than by the dissent itself.
Background on the race
Amodei announced his retirement earlier this year, prompting a primary contest for his congressional seat. He endorsed longtime state legislator James Settelmeyer, but the only Republican who qualified for the ballot is David Flippo. Flippo, a former Nevada Assembly member, has framed the race as a battle against what he called “one of the most far‑left wing candidates running anywhere in America,” referring to Democratic State Senator Teresa Benitez‑Thompson.
Amodei’s independent vote
According to a statement from Amodei’s office, the congressman voted for Lynn Chapman, the Independent American Party nominee, in the general election. The decision sparked immediate backlash from local GOP officials, who argue that a sitting Republican representative should not publicly endorse an opposition party candidate.
Local GOP’s history of discipline
This is not the first time the Washoe GOP has taken disciplinary action against a Republican official. Last year the party ousted Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson after he supported a land bill championed by Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, a move that was similarly framed as a breach of party loyalty.
Responses and next steps
Flippo issued a statement praising the Washoe County Republican Party’s commitment to defeating Benitez‑Thompson, saying, “The Washoe County Republican Party knows it’s crucial that we defeat Teresa Benitez‑Thompson, one of the most far‑left wing candidates running anywhere in America.” The party has not yet indicated whether it will pursue formal removal of Amodei from any state‑level Republican structures.
What this means for voters
With the primary now set, Republican voters in Washoe County will have to decide whether to back Flippo, the party’s sole candidate, or consider the independent option that attracted Amodei’s endorsement. The internal dispute highlights the tension between party discipline and individual conscience that can arise in closely contested races.
Looking ahead
The Washoe County Republican Party says it will continue to monitor the situation and will communicate any further actions to its members. Amodei’s office indicated the congressman will be in Elko and Ely for the next few days, limiting his ability to comment further at this time.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
