David Flippo Faces Scrutiny Over Campaign Associations
The Nevada congressional candidate is being questioned for his ties to figures linked to 2020 election denialism.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Elections
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David Flippo, a candidate for Nevada's 2nd Congressional District, faces scrutiny over his campaign's associations with individuals involved in 2020 election result disputes. These ties include endorsements from prominent figures and past coordination by his former campaign manager.
Why it matters
The associations raise questions regarding the campaign's alignment with individuals who have challenged democratic processes. Understanding these connections is central to evaluating the candidate's platform and political base in Nevada.
Flippo's campaign issued $1.5 million in payments to the public relations firm Revolutionizing Microtargeting Campaigns. Meanwhile, internal polling from August 2026 shows Benitez-Thompson leading Flippo by 1 percentage point.
The players
David Flippo
He is a candidate for Nevada's 2nd Congressional District.
Michael McDonald
He is the chair of the Nevada Republican Party and was indicted for his role in submitting false documents regarding 2020 election results.
Richard Mack
He is a founding member of the Oath Keepers, an organization involved in the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack.
Woodrow Johnston
He served as the campaign manager for David Flippo from July 2025 to August 2026.
Joey Gilbert
He is a prominent figure in Nevada politics who has provided an endorsement to David Flippo.
The details
Flippo received endorsements from Joey Gilbert and Richard Mack, a founding member of the Oath Keepers, while appearing at events with Nevada Republican Party chair Michael McDonald, who was indicted for submitting false 2020 election documents. Additionally, Flippo's former manager, Woodrow Johnston, reportedly coordinated with the Proud Boys during a 2020 protest.
Timeline
In 2020, Woodrow Johnston reportedly communicated with a Proud Boys associate.
The attack on the U.S. Capitol occurred in 2021.
The campaign paid $1.5 million to the public relations firm RMC in June 2026.
A poll showed Benitez-Thompson leading Flippo in August 2026.
Political Context
Opponents argue that these associations represent a dangerous alignment with groups and individuals involved in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. They contend that such ties undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and electoral processes.
Voters in the 2nd Congressional District must weigh these campaign associations against their own priorities for representation. The outcome of this race will ultimately determine who holds the seat in Congress and how the district is represented in federal policy.
The takeaway
Voters should investigate the backgrounds of campaign donors and key staff to understand potential influences on a candidate's future policy positions. Evaluating the consistency between campaign rhetoric and association history remains a critical part of the electoral process.
Further reading
For more information on the ongoing race, visit Nevada elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Journal News.
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Do you trust political candidates who associate with individuals that deny 2020 election results?
