Fonken runs for Amodei’s Congressional Seat

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - Democrat Matthew Fonken says he wants to unseat Congressman Mark Amodei.

“I’m a fighter for the people at the end of the day,” says Fonken. “I care. I come from hardship. I’m working class. I grew up working class my entire life. And we see someone who has continued, in the best interest of the billionaires and special interests.”

That’s how Matthew Fonken describes himself and differentiates himself from current Nevada Congressman Mark Amodei, who represents the second congressional district in Nevada.

Fonken says he’s worked in the Nevada Legislature. He’s been executive director of the state Democratic Party.

Recently, he was field director for Blue Wave Nevada, which aimed to make connections in the red counties of Nevada, most of which are in the second congressional district.

“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.”

He points to the high cost of health care and health care subsidies taken away from all Nevadans within the state’s health insurance marketplace.

However, lack of affordable insurance significantly impacts rural counties as their hospitals heavily depend on insured patients to pay the bills. Non-affordable housing and groceries know no county lines either, he says.

He says he’ll fight to keep open lands open, something he says Representative Amodei has shown little interest in.

“The public lands, he has been scheming to carve them up from the Ruby Mountains to the waters for Tahoe over the last decade,” says Fonken. “And I am someone who is here to protect, stand up, and make sure those are managed responsibly.”

For now, there are four Democrats who also say they want to run against Republican Congressman Mark Amodei in November.

We’ll see if Fonken comes out on top after the primary on June 9th, 2026.

For more information on Matthew Fonken: www.fonkenfornevada.com/

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