Former Trump Official Snubbed for Endorsement in Nevada Senate Race

LAS VEGAS - In the heated Nevada Senate race, former U.S. ambassador to Iceland, Dr. Jeffrey Gunter, expressed disappointment after being excluded from an endorsement by his former boss, ex-President Donald Trump. The coveted endorsement instead went to Gunter's primary opponent, Sam Brown, a former U.S. Army Captain. The battle for Trump's support was fiercely contested between the two candidates and their respective supporters.

Reacting to the news, Gunter criticized the influence of "Mitch McConnell money" and accused the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) of prioritizing funds over the American people. Gunter insinuated that the endorsement was a result of a "big check," prompting the NRSC to dismiss his claims as an unfounded attack against Trump. Gunter's accusations sparked controversy among those close to Trump, who called for Gunter to delete the post.

Gunter clarified that he did not accuse Trump himself but rather pointed fingers at his "top advisers," claiming they had some explaining to do. Gunter's frustration was palpable as he had been interviewed by Fox News Digital earlier, expressing confidence in his campaign's performance and internal polling, which he believed showed him either tied or leading Brown.

In contrast, Brown's campaign cited their own internal polls, indicating a significant lead over Gunter. Gunter argued that he was the only candidate capable of defeating incumbent Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen in the general election. While Gunter referred to a New York Times poll that showed Brown and Rosen tied at 41%, little independent polling exists for a hypothetical matchup between Gunter and Rosen.

Claiming to be the true "MAGA candidate," Gunter emphasized his experience as an ambassador and doctor, along with his unwavering loyalty to Trump. He positioned himself as the candidate aligned with "America First" principles and drew a contrast to those he deemed more aligned with figures like Mitch McConnell and Nikki Haley.

As Tuesday's primary approached, attempts by Fox News Digital to interview Brown were unsuccessful, with his campaign not confirming their availability. Meanwhile, Rosen was expected to confidently secure her own primary victory, setting the stage for a general election matchup against either Brown or Gunter.

With Republicans eyeing Nevada as a key opportunity to reclaim control of the Senate from the Democrats, this race has taken on crucial significance. The Democrats currently hold a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate. Stay tuned for the latest updates, exclusive interviews, and more on the 2024 campaign trail at our Fox News Digital election hub.