UMVA has learned that Nevada state Sen. Carrie Buck has secured the Republican nomination for Nevada's 1st Congressional District, triumphing over a field of candidates that included businessman Michael Boris in a highly contested primary.
Buck's victory was bolstered by key endorsements from President Donald Trump and Gov. Joe Lombardo, as well as support from prominent national Republican groups focused on expanding the party's House majority. Her credentials as an educator and former school principal have clearly resonated with Republican voters.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Buck entered the race in 2025, leveraging her experience in education and state government to position herself as a strong challenger to Democratic Rep. Dina Titus. Her campaign maintained a significant fundraising advantage throughout much of the primary, solidifying her status as the frontrunner.
The Republican primary field was diverse, featuring appliance repair contractor Michael Boris, former pastor and educator Jim Blockey, Rick Saga, and Marie Encar Arnold. Boris had argued that an outsider candidate was needed to defeat Titus, criticizing Buck as an establishment-backed contender.
With the primary now behind her, Buck will shift her focus to the general election against Titus, a veteran Democrat who has represented the district since 2013. The Cook Political Report has rated the race as "Likely Democrat," reflecting Titus' incumbency and the district's Democratic lean, although Republicans are growing increasingly optimistic about their chances.
Nevada's 1st District, encompassing much of eastern Las Vegas, Henderson, and surrounding communities, carries a Cook Partisan Voting Index of D+2. Despite being a Democratic stronghold, the district has become more competitive following recent redistricting, making the general election a closely watched contest.
Titus is expected to begin the general election campaign with a substantial fundraising advantage. However, Republicans believe Buck offers the party its strongest chance to compete in a district that has become increasingly competitive in recent years.
Attention now turns to the general election showdown between Buck and Titus, with Buck seeking to capitalize on her primary victory and challenge Titus' long-standing presence in the district. The stage is set for a fiercely contested battle that could have significant implications for Nevada's representation in Congress.
