Flippo Ad Attacks Benitez-Thompson Record
A new campaign advertisement in the Nevada U.S. House race questions the record of candidate Teresa Benitez-Thompson.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Republican candidate David Flippo has released an attack advertisement targeting Democratic opponent Teresa Benitez-Thompson. The ad alleges that Benitez-Thompson supported the early release of ten convicted felons during her tenure as chief of staff to the state attorney general.
Why it matters
The advertisement centers on Benitez-Thompson's past work in the attorney general's office to challenge her credentials in the race for Nevada's 2nd District. Supporters note that her official role did not include oversight of pardons or criminal sentencing.
The advertisement claims Benitez-Thompson supported the release of ten total felons, while records indicate she previously sponsored legislation requiring rape kits to be sent to labs within 30 days and tested within 180 days.
The players
David Flippo
He is the Republican candidate running for the U.S. House seat in Nevada's 2nd District.
Teresa Benitez-Thompson
She is the Democratic candidate for Nevada's 2nd District and a former chief of staff to the state attorney general.
Aaron Ford
He serves as the Attorney General of Nevada and previously employed Benitez-Thompson as his chief of staff.
Kimberly Mull
She provides commentary in the campaign advertisement released by David Flippo.
The details
The campaign ad features commentary from Kimberly Mull and argues that Benitez-Thompson is responsible for the early release of several violent offenders. Conversely, official records confirm Benitez-Thompson worked on legislative reforms such as increasing prison terms for elder abuse and implementing the NV S.A.V.E. system.
Timeline
2010: Benitez-Thompson was elected to the Nevada Assembly.
2017: Benitez-Thompson sponsored AB 97 and senior abuse laws.
2019: Benitez-Thompson cosponsored Assembly Bill 176.
2025: Attorney general released an organizational chart.
Legal Context
This campaign dispute occurs against the backdrop of Nevada's legislative record on sexual assault, specifically the enactment of Assembly Bill 97. The debate reflects broader trends in political messaging where candidates use past professional associations to characterize opponent platforms on public safety.
Voters in Nevada's 2nd District are encountering conflicting narratives regarding the legislative and professional history of candidates. This focus on past sentencing and release records is intended to influence public perception of candidate competency in matters of criminal justice.
The takeaway
Campaign advertisements often leverage complex administrative records to create simplified narratives about a candidate's legislative past. Voters should examine official bill records and job descriptions to understand the actual authority held by a candidate in their previous roles.
Further reading
For more information on state legislative efforts, visit the Nevada Sex Crimes section.
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