Meet Matthew Fonken: Democratic candidate for Nevada’s CD2
Northern Nevada’s congressional district is completely up for grabs this election. Ahead of the June primary, we sat down with the Democrats, Republicans, and the lone Independent running for the seat. Hear from KUNR’s James Perez speaking with Democrat Matthew Fonken.
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Matthew Fonken, who is also running in the Democratic primary for CD 2, said via email that he does not support the U.S. pursuing regime change through war.
“America has seen where that road leads: more chaos, more instability, more dead civilians, and more risk to our own troops,” Fonken said, noting deaths of civilians and military troops are mounting. “That is not making this country safe.”
Democrats have never won Northern Nevada’s 2nd District. These candidates think they can.
Fonken, who grew up on a horse farm in Arkansas, has won endorsements from Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom and state Sen. Edgar Flores (D-Las Vegas). On Wednesday, his campaign released 50 new endorsements, many from Reno activists.
Fonken said in an interview with The Nevada Independent that since his campaign launch in January, he’s mostly been focused on talking to voters while doing some behind-the-scenes planning for fundraising and events.
“This comes down to folks wanting to vote for someone they see themselves in,” he said.
Matthew Fonken, A Candidate Who Knows "Rural," Sees Chance to Turn Nevada's Second District Blue
“We need someone who's going to go to Congress and fight for all of our rights … especially to stand up against the billionaires and the special interests.”
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"After more than a decade in office, this district now has an opportunity to take a hard look at what it needs from its next representative," Fonken said. "People across Nevada’s Second District are focused on the basics, affordable healthcare, protecting access to our public lands, lowering costs for working families, and making sure Washington is accountable to the people it serves. That’s the conversation this election should be about."
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On the Democratic side, several candidates had also already announced they are running, including former Nevada State Democratic Party executive director Matthew Fonken.
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Fonken runs for Amodei’s Congressional Seat
“These folks need to know they are not alone,” says Fonken. “They feel as though their government has abandoned them. And doesn’t listen to what their needs are. And over these years of organizing in these rural districts, I have found their issues are not so dissimilar to the rural areas.”
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Fonken will run “a people-first campaign focused on protecting public lands, defending access to affordable healthcare and pushing back against billionaires and corporate influence in Washington,” according to the news release.
Matt Fonken among 4 Dems vying to compete against Amodei
"This primary is about organizing the voters here, across the district. You know, turning out as many voters as possible in the primary always leads to a very strong general turnout, so we're going to go after every vote we can," [Fonken] said.
Democrat Launches Long-Shot Bid to Unseat GOP Workhorse Mark Amodei in Nevada’s 2nd District
Matthew Fonken officially jumped into the race for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District this past Saturday. The longtime Democratic organizer announced his campaign from the Hunter Creek Trailhead.
Longtime organizer Matthew Fonken throws hat in ring for Congress
“Northern Nevada deserves a representative who actually gets what working people are going through, protects what makes this place special, and puts people ahead of politics,” he said.
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