Speaker Mike Johnson Rallies for Nevada GOP Candidates
The House Speaker visited the Meta Apex venue on Tuesday to boost two Republican challengers in competitive district races.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Elections
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House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned at the Meta Apex venue on Tuesday to boost Republican congressional candidates Carrie Buck and Marty O'Donnell. The rally drew more than 350 attendees as candidates work to narrow a current net lead of 12,700 early votes held by Democrats in Clark County.
Why it matters
Control of the U.S. House hinges on these local races, which will dictate which party controls tax policy and federal spending for the remainder of the President's term. Both campaigns are ramping up spending and advertising intensity as the election nears.
Official early voting counts show a net lead of 12,700 for Democrats in Clark County. Meanwhile, Nevada's average regular gas price reached $5.36 in September, marking a $1.45 increase over the prior year.
The players
Mike Johnson
The current Speaker of the U.S. House who visited Las Vegas to support Republican candidates.
Carrie Buck
The Republican candidate running for Congress in Nevada's 1st District.
Marty O'Donnell
The Republican candidate running for Congress in Nevada's 3rd District.
Dina Titus
The incumbent Democrat representing Nevada's 1st District.
Susie Lee
The incumbent Democrat representing Nevada's 3rd District.
The details
Speaker Johnson delivered his remarks from inside the UFC Octagon at the Meta Apex venue to support the candidates' inclusion in the MAGA Majority program. Carrie Buck raised $1.9 million in the second quarter compared to $1.5 million for incumbent Dina Titus. Residents should expect increased advertising and campaign activity in the 1st and 3rd Districts through Election Day.
Timeline
April 2026: Candidates added to the MAGA Majority program.
September 2026: Nevada average gas price hit $5.36.
October 20, 2026: House Speaker Mike Johnson held the campaign rally in Las Vegas.
Beyond the Strip
These races follow the competitive patterns set during the 2024 general election. Both parties are now aggressively targeting these specific congressional districts to secure a majority in the House.
Voters in the 1st and 3rd Districts will see a sharp increase in campaign advertisements and mailers leading up to Election Day. Early voting is already underway across Clark County for all registered residents.
The takeaway
The intensity of the 1st and 3rd District races will continue to rise as national groups pour resources into these contests. Watch for updated early voting figures from the Clark County Election Department to gauge shifting turnout trends.
Further reading
For more information on the current state of local races, visit Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nevada News and Views.
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