Sen. Jacky Rosen Secures Reelection in Nevada, Defeating Republican Challenger Sam Brown

Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen has won reelection in Nevada, CNN projects, defeating her Republican challenger, Army veteran Sam Brown. This victory helps maintain Democratic control of the U.S. Senate and prevents Republicans from gaining ground in the crucial swing state.

Rosen, who first entered the Senate in 2018, is projected to narrowly defeat Brown, despite his efforts to make the race competitive. A former synagogue president and advocate for women’s rights, Rosen held on to her seat in a closely watched contest. The battle was particularly significant because Nevada was a battleground state, with former President Donald Trump also projected to win there, making it one of the few instances where a Democrat triumphed in a state that went red for the presidential election.

Rosen’s victory came after a campaign that focused heavily on abortion rights, an issue that has been a major point of contention in many races this election cycle. Even before Brown emerged as the Republican nominee, Rosen’s campaign made clear that she would hold him accountable for his past positions on abortion. Brown had faced criticism for his stance, especially given his previous support for a 20-week abortion ban in Texas—a policy that did not include exceptions for rape or incest. Although Brown claimed he would not support a federal abortion ban and would back exceptions for rape or incest, his past record on the issue became a central point of attack for Rosen.

Throughout the race, Rosen emphasized her strong support for abortion rights. Nevada voters had already shown their commitment to reproductive freedoms in 2022 when they approved a state ballot measure that enshrines the right to an abortion in the state constitution, ensuring access to the procedure up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. This legal backdrop made abortion a pivotal issue in the Senate race, and Rosen used it effectively in her campaign strategy.

In a particularly personal moment during the campaign, Brown’s wife, Amy Brown, publicly shared her own experience with abortion, discussing how the decision she made before meeting her husband shaped their views on the issue. While Brown tried to distance himself from the more extreme positions on abortion, his earlier remarks and the ongoing attacks from Rosen on this front played a role in keeping the race competitive.

Brown, who moved to Nevada from Texas in 2018, was no stranger to Senate campaigns. In 2022, he ran for Senate but lost the Republican nomination to former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt. Laxalt went on to narrowly lose to Democratic incumbent Catherine Cortez Masto in a tight general election. This year, Brown’s campaign leaned heavily on support from former President Trump, with Brown touting Trump’s endorsement and using the former president’s critiques of Rosen in his advertising. However, despite Trump’s influence, Brown’s campaign struggled to gain the necessary momentum to overtake Rosen.

Brown’s political history in Nevada was also marred by accusations of being a “carpetbagger.” Having relocated to the state only a few years earlier, Brown faced skepticism from some voters about his commitment to Nevada. Additionally, he stumbled when it came to one of the state’s most sensitive issues—the controversial Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository. Brown had initially expressed support for the site as a potential storage facility for the nation’s nuclear waste, a position that was highly unpopular in Nevada. After facing backlash, he was forced to backtrack, further damaging his standing with local voters.

Despite his best efforts, Brown was ultimately unable to overcome the momentum of Rosen’s campaign, which had successfully framed her as a strong advocate for Nevadans, particularly on the issues of abortion rights and healthcare. Rosen’s ability to tie Brown to more extreme conservative positions helped her maintain support among moderates and independent voters, who were crucial to her victory.

Rosen’s win comes at a time when the debate over abortion rights remains a top issue in American politics. Her reelection also marks a significant moment for Nevada, where Democrats have managed to secure key victories in both state and federal races, despite the challenges posed by a Republican-leaning presidential election result.

Looking ahead, Rosen’s victory will ensure that Nevada continues to be represented by a Democrat in the Senate, helping to maintain the party’s narrow majority in the chamber. Her victory, alongside other Democratic wins, signals that abortion rights and other progressive issues will continue to shape electoral outcomes in the years to come.

With this victory, Rosen reinforces her position as a leading voice for her state in Washington and cements her role in the ongoing fight for reproductive rights in the U.S.