Nevada Rep. Mark Amodei, after 15 years in Congress, announced his retirement from the U.S. House effective January 3, 2027, capping a long tenure that began in the Nevada Legislature and included leadership roles on the Homeland Security subcommittee and the Natural Resources Committee.

In his retirement message, he called serving Nevadans the honor of his lifetime and credited listening to constituents and fighting for their values as the foundation of his work.

Amodei has positioned himself as a moderate, supporting some Trump-backed policies while opposing others, such as efforts to defund PBS/NPR; he also backed the 2025 budget reconciliation bill after initial opposition.

Campaign materials highlight his achievements on land management, the economy, and constituent services, including reforms to federal land in northern Nevada, directing infrastructure funding to the state, and pandemic relief programs.

His work on the Homeland Security appropriations bill remains ongoing as federal negotiations near a February funding deadline, amid a partisan divide over immigration enforcement measures.

CD-2 covers much of northern Nevada, from Washoe County to Elko, with a competitive political mix of roughly 36% Republican, 23% Democrat, and 34% nonpartisan voters.

The Reno Gazette Journal notes the retirement will alter fundraising and campaigning dynamics in CD-2 and places Amodei’s departure in the wider context of retirements across the country.

Although he had considered seeking re-election, Amodei chose retirement after delaying public announcements to avoid fueling rumors and pressure on potential successors.

Two Republicans, Rick Shepherd and Heath Fulkerson, have already filed to challenge Amodei, with Shepherd criticizing his record and loyalties to foreign lobbies.

The retirement marks a significant shift for Nevada’s delegation and the Republican caucus, with updates expected as the race for CD-2 dynamics unfold.

Governor and local leaders, including Gov. Lombardo and university and party officials, praised Amodei for his service and accessibility as news unfolds.

The retirement is framed as a planned transition, with Amodei signaling he will continue to serve through his term and hand the torch to the next generation of leaders.