Nevada Campaign Finance Reports Reveal Key Fundraising Battles Ahead of June Primary
From a record-setting House incumbent to a North Las Vegas councilman challenging a sitting state senator, money is already shaping Nevada's 2026 races.
Tens of millions of dollars flowed into Nevada political campaigns between January and March 2026, with the first-quarter finance reports — the last public look at campaign money before the June primary in all non-congressional races — revealing sharp fundraising divides across competitive House seats and at least one notable state Senate primary challenge.
Rep. Susie Lee Sets State Record in Nevada's 3rd Congressional District
Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) raised more than $1 million in the first quarter of 2026 for her re-election bid in the 3rd Congressional District, setting a state record for first-quarter fundraising. She entered the next phase of the race with a war chest surpassing $3 million.
One of her Democratic primary opponents, Dr. James Lally, loaned his campaign $500,000 over the first three months of the year and reported spending $506,000, with $350,000 of that going toward TV ad reservations.
On the Republican side, Trump-endorsed video game composer Marty O'Donnell brought in just about $72,000 last quarter but did not need to inject additional personal funds — he still has $2.7 million in the bank from earlier loans. None of his GOP opponents outraised him.
Former Ambassador to Iceland Jeff Gunter filed a campaign finance report showing he paid himself back most of the $750,000 he loaned his campaign last quarter. His campaign did not respond to a question about why. Gunter also paid former state Sen. Elizabeth Helgelien (R-Las Vegas) $2,000 for what was listed as 'social media management.'
Carrie Buck Outraises Dina Titus Again in the 1st Congressional District
In Nevada's 1st Congressional District, state Sen. Carrie Buck (R-Henderson) outraised incumbent Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) for the second consecutive quarter. Buck also received Trump's endorsement last week, thrilling national Republicans.
Buck is described as the only challenger in Nevada — and one of a very small number across the country — to outraise an incumbent without relying on significant self-funding.
In the 4th Congressional District, Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) posted $618,000 in fundraising and has more than $1 million in the bank. Both Horsford and Lee received donations from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, whose workers remain affected by the partial government shutdown.
On the Republican side of the 4th District race, lawyer Ronda Kennedy loaned her campaign $350,000, while small-business owner Cody K. Whipple loaned himself $200,000 and received nearly $100,000 in contributions during the first three months of the year.
North Las Vegas Councilman Challenges Incumbent Senator in District 2 Primary
In a state Senate race drawing attention, North Las Vegas City Councilman Isaac Barrón reported raising almost $63,000 from January through March, with notable support from Las Vegas unions. He is challenging incumbent state Sen. Edgar Flores (D-Las Vegas) in the Democratic primary for state Senate District 2.
Of Barrón's reported total, $15,000 was a transfer from his own political action committee. However, PACs are only permitted to give $10,000 to a campaign per cycle, and Barrón ultimately refunded $5,000 back to his PAC account, making the effective contribution $10,000.
The race is one in which a primary challenger outraised the incumbent, a relatively uncommon occurrence. Opposition to film tax credits has been cited as a factor spurring fundraising activity in the contest.
What we know
- Rep. Susie Lee raised more than $1 million in the first quarter of 2026, setting a state record for first-quarter fundraising, and has a war chest surpassing $3 million.
- Democratic primary opponent Dr. James Lally loaned his campaign $500,000 and spent $506,000, with $350,000 going to TV ad reservations.
- Trump-endorsed Marty O'Donnell raised about $72,000 last quarter but still holds $2.7 million in the bank from earlier loans.
- State Sen. Carrie Buck (R-Henderson) outraised Rep. Dina Titus for the second consecutive quarter and received Trump's endorsement.
- Rep. Steven Horsford raised $618,000 in the 4th Congressional District and has more than $1 million in the bank.
- North Las Vegas City Councilman Isaac Barrón raised almost $63,000 in the first quarter and is challenging state Sen. Edgar Flores in the Democratic primary for state Senate District 2.
- Barrón refunded $5,000 to his own PAC after transferring $15,000 from it, as PACs are limited to $10,000 per campaign per cycle.
- The first-quarter reports are the last campaign finance disclosures before the June primary in all non-congressional races; the next report covering April, May, and June will be released in July.
Why it matters
Nevada's 2026 primary races are shaping up to be among the most financially competitive in the state's recent history. The fundraising totals reveal which candidates have the resources to reach voters before the June primary, and the results in districts covering Henderson and North Las Vegas could shift the balance of power in both Congress and the state Senate. The challenge to an incumbent state senator by a North Las Vegas city councilman, backed by major unions, signals grassroots energy around local policy disputes including film tax credits.
What’s next
The June primary will determine nominees in all non-congressional races. The next campaign finance report, covering April, May, and June, is scheduled for release in July — after the primary. Trump's recent endorsement of state Sen. Carrie Buck in the 1st Congressional District is expected to factor into that race's trajectory heading into the primary.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Nevada primary election in 2026?
The Nevada primary is scheduled for June 2026. The next campaign finance report covering April through June will be released in July, after the primary.
Who is running against Rep. Dina Titus in Nevada's 1st Congressional District?
State Sen. Carrie Buck (R-Henderson) is challenging Rep. Dina Titus and has outraised the incumbent for two consecutive quarters. Buck also recently received an endorsement from former President Trump.
Who is Isaac Barrón and what race is he running in?
Isaac Barrón is a North Las Vegas City Councilman challenging incumbent state Sen. Edgar Flores (D-Las Vegas) in the Democratic primary for state Senate District 2. He raised almost $63,000 in the first quarter of 2026.
How much money has Marty O'Donnell raised in the Nevada 3rd Congressional District race?
O'Donnell raised about $72,000 in the first quarter of 2026 but still holds $2.7 million in the bank from earlier personal loans to his campaign. He is Trump-endorsed and no GOP opponent outraised him.
Did Rep. Steven Horsford raise more than $1 million in the 4th Congressional District?
Horsford raised $618,000 in the first quarter and has more than $1 million in the bank. He and Rep. Susie Lee both received donations from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.