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Trump Endorses Candidates in Nevada House Races as Gas Prices Loom Over Midterms
The former president's picks in the GOP primaries come as he acknowledges gas prices could be a factor in the upcoming elections.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:10pm
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As gas prices loom over the midterm elections, a fractured, high-energy visual metaphor captures the volatility and uncertainty surrounding this key economic issue.Las Vegas TodayFormer President Donald Trump has unveiled his endorsements in two Nevada House races, backing Marty O'Donnell in the Republican primary for the 3rd Congressional District and Carrie Buck in the 2nd Congressional District. Trump's endorsements come as he acknowledged that gas prices 'could be the same' or 'a little bit higher' by the time of the midterm elections, an issue that could loom large for voters. Meanwhile, Trump is set to visit Nevada for a 'roundtable' event focused on a tax deduction for tipped income, which critics say will only benefit a small fraction of the state's workforce.
Why it matters
Trump's endorsements in these Nevada House races are seen as an attempt to influence the GOP primaries and shape the general election landscape. Gas prices have been a major political issue, and Trump's acknowledgment that they could remain high through the midterms suggests he views it as a potential vulnerability for his party. The visit to Nevada, focused on a niche tax issue, is also viewed as an effort to appeal to a narrow segment of voters in a key swing state.
The details
In the 3rd Congressional District Republican primary, Trump is backing Marty O'Donnell, a self-funding video game soundtrack composer, over Jeff Gunter, a former U.S. ambassador to Iceland who has also self-funded his campaign. In the 2nd Congressional District, Trump is endorsing state Sen. Carrie Buck, who is facing minimal opposition in the GOP primary.
- Trump is set to visit Nevada on April 16, 2026.
- The midterm elections are scheduled for November 2026.
The players
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States who is seeking to influence the GOP primaries in Nevada.
Marty O'Donnell
A self-funding video game soundtrack composer who is the Republican candidate in the 3rd Congressional District primary race.
Jeff Gunter
A former U.S. ambassador to Iceland who is also running in the Republican primary for the 3rd Congressional District, though he is viewed as a weaker candidate.
Carrie Buck
A state senator who is the Republican candidate in the 2nd Congressional District primary race and has Trump's endorsement.
Joe Lombardo
The governor of Nevada who has been fine-tuning his skills as a Trump apologist over the past four years.
What they’re saying
“The price of gas 'could be the same' or 'a little bit higher,' by the time people are voting in this year's midterm elections.”
— Donald Trump
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
Trump's endorsements in the Nevada House races and his acknowledgment of the potential impact of gas prices on the midterm elections highlight the former president's continued influence within the Republican Party and his efforts to shape the political landscape in a key swing state.
