James Settelmeyer
NV-02 Republican nominee?
$103.7K
JUN 10, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Senator
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age55 years old (Mar 6, 1971)
GenderMale
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LocationNevada
BackgroundAgriculturalist
EducationCalifornia Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (B.S., Agricultural Education/Agricultural Science)
Notable personal detailsJames Arnold Settelmeyer is a Nevada Republican politician and agriculturalist who served in the Nevada Assembly (2006–2010) and Nevada Senate representing Senate District 17 (2010–2022), including a term as Nevada Senate Minority Leader (2018–2022). He has also held agriculture and conservation-related public service roles, including chairing the Carson Valley Conservation District and the Nevada State Conservation Commission. He has served as Director of Nevada’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and is a 2026 candidate for U.S. House in Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Opposes broad tax increases and has pushed limits on use of Nevada’s Rainy Day Fund; has expressed hesitation about raising taxes during economic recovery and opposes adopting an income tax. Advocates fiscal restraint and limiting legislative access to reserve funds rather than expanding taxes or spending.
Healthcare
Opposes health-care mandates and has supported measures tied to reducing Medicaid spending or adding restrictions to public assistance; has sponsored legislation related to health-care regulation and voted with Republican caucus on legislation affecting health-care facilities and liability protections. Overall record indicates preference for limiting government mandates and controlling public-health program costs rather than expanding government-run coverage.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate has said he would "fight to secure the border," emphasizing border security as a priority. Statements are enforcement-focused rather than advocating expanded legal pathways or broad regularization.
Climate & Energy
James Settelmeyer has a record of opposing major climate legislation such as cap-and-trade while supporting development of domestic energy resources including geothermal when sited appropriately. As Director of Nevada DCNR he expressed caution about regulatory and siting issues for renewable projects and has criticized climate bills he viewed as harmful to rural interests or state costs. His public statements and actions indicate preference for market- and locality-sensitive energy development rather than aggressive statewide emissions mandates.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate opposes broad new firearm restrictions and has expressed support for individual self-defense rights and allowing firearms in certain public settings. He has worked to resist expanded background-check measures and has framed gun policy as focused on individuals with mental-health issues rather than banning or limiting classes of weapons.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
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We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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