Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is making his first foray into Nevada as an officially declared candidate for the Republican presidential nomination.[0] DeSantis, who announced his candidacy earlier this year, is the first from the growing field of Republican candidates to visit Nevada, which is getting less attention as the party’s presidential field focuses on the other early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.
While DeSantis is no stranger to the Silver State, having spoken in Las Vegas in March while promoting his recently published book, he is now focusing on Nevada as a key state in his bid for the Republican nomination. His trip this weekend marks the last of the four early states he has visited, with his campaign having already focused on Iowa and New Hampshire earlier this year.[0]
Despite the lack of attention from other Republican candidates, Nevada is a key state for the party in the upcoming presidential election. According to an NBC News report, only about 1% of ad spending in the GOP primary has targeted Nevada, with just over $557,000 out of $40.3 million being spent in the state.[1] The presidential contenders have focused much of their campaign travel on the other three early-voting states.[1]
The Basque Fry event, which takes place on Saturday at Corley Ranch in Gardnerville, will see DeSantis and other Republican officials speak to attendees. Other speakers on the bill include Dana Loesch, a radio and TV host and former National Rifle Association spokesperson; Dave Rubin, a political commentator and host of The Rubin Report talk show; and Nevada-based officials Gov.[2] Lt. Gov. Joe Lombardo and Rep. Mark Amodei[3] Stavros Anthony and Adam Laxalt.[3]
The event, which is in its eighth year, will feature music, food, and activities for kids. Adult tickets are priced at $25 for general admission, while private dining and a meet and greet with Republican leaders are available for $1,000.[2]
While Nevada may be getting less attention from Republican candidates, it remains a key state in the party’s bid for the presidency. With DeSantis and other officials speaking at the Basque Fry event, it is clear that the state is still an important part of the Republican strategy for 2024. As the primary campaign continues, it will be interesting to see whether other candidates follow DeSantis’ lead and focus on Nevada as a key state in their bid for the nomination.
0. “Trump world gets testy as Ron DeSantis encroaches on his Nevada turf” NBC News, 16 Jun. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-world-testy-ron-desantis-nevada-basque-fry-rcna89303
1. “DeSantis heads to Nevada as GOP field focuses on other early states” NBC News, 14 Jun. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meetthepressblog/desantis-heads-nevada-gop-field-focuses-early-states-rcna89288
2. “Adam Laxalt on supporting presidential candidate Ron DeSantis” Reno Gazette Journal, 15 Jun. 2023, https://www.rgj.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/06/15/2024-us-presidential-race-ron-desantis-donald-trump-adam-laxalt/70323381007/
3. “Laxalt’s Basque Fest brings Florida Gov. DeSantis to Gardnerville on Saturday” The Record-Courier, 16 Jun. 2023, https://www.recordcourier.com/news/2023/jun/16/florida-gov-desantis-due-in-gardnerville-on-saturday
