Rep. Amodei Says He’s Retiring

Elko Free Daily Press—Rep. Mark Amodei, who represents the northern half of the state in Congress, said on Friday he'll retire after his term ends.

"Serving the people of Nevada has been the honor of my lifetime. Nobody is prouder of our Nevada Congressional District than me. Thank you for the honor. Every achievement worth doing began with listening to Nevadans and fighting for our values," he said in a written statement.

"I came to Congress to solve problems and to make sure our State and Nation have strong voice in the federal policy and oversight processes. I look forward to finishing my term. After 15 years of service, I believe it is the right time for Nevada and myself to pass the torch."

Amodei, an eight-term lawmaker, is leaving Nevada's Second Congressional District wide open, with several Democrats and at least one Republican challenger to take his spot. Amodei is Nevada's only Republican member of Congress.

Democrat Kathy Durham of West Wendover, who is one of a handful of Democrats running in the party's primary, told the Elko Daily Free Press, "I wish Congressman Amodei well in his retirement."

"My campaign was never about one opponent. It has always been about standing up for Nevada's 2nd District, especially our rural communities that too often feel overlooked and underrepresented. That mission hasn't changed," she said.

"I'm a teach, a mom and a nana who believes our government should be grounded in honesty, integrity, accountability and practical solutions."

Democrat Matthew Fonken issued a statement saying Amodei's decision to retire "marks a turning point for northern Nevada."

"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," he 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."

He added, "I appreciate Rep. Amodei’s years of public service and wish him well. I’m focused on earning the trust of voters by offering serious, grounded leadership for the future of this district."