Today, March 6, 2026, marks a milestone for northern Nevada politics — and coincidentally, James Settelmeyer’s 55th birthday. The Carson Valley native and fourth-generation Nevadan has officially filed to run as a Republican for the U.S. House seat in Nevada’s sprawling 2nd Congressional District, which will be vacated by longtime Rep. Mark Amodei upon his retirement.
Settelmeyer brings a compelling combination of deep local roots, ranching experience, and decades of public service to the race. Here’s who he is and why he’s running.
A Lifelong Nevadan Rooted in the Land
Born March 6, 1971, in Carson City, James A. Settelmeyer grew up on his family’s ranch in Gardnerville. His great-grandfather settled in the Carson Valley from Germany in the 1880s, making Settelmeyer a true fourth-generation Nevadan. He graduated from Douglas High School in 1989 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He still operates the family ranch today while living in Gardnerville with his family.
Before politics, he served as chairman of the Carson Valley Conservation District and the Nevada State Conservation Commission — roles that foreshadowed his lifelong focus on agriculture, water, and natural resources.
From Carson City to the State Capitol
Settelmeyer’s political career began in 2006 when he was elected to the Nevada Assembly (District 39). In 2010 he moved to the State Senate, representing District 17 — which covers Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, and Storey counties — for three terms through 2022. He rose to become Republican Minority Leader of the Senate from 2018 to 2022.
After term limits ended his Senate service, Gov. Joe Lombardo appointed him Director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in January 2023, a position he still holds. In that role he oversees water resources, wildlife management, forestry, state lands, and conservation efforts across Nevada — experience that directly aligns with many of the biggest federal issues facing rural Nevada.
Why He’s Running — and What He Stands For
In his announcement, Settelmeyer made clear his motivation comes from years of listening to everyday Nevadans:
“As a lifelong Nevadan, rancher, and public servant, I have dedicated my career to standing up for the values and interests of our state. I have listened to the concerns of families, workers, and small business owners across northern Nevada, and I am committed to taking those concerns and making sure they are heard in Washington, D.C.”
His core priorities include:
- Protecting water resources and supporting rural economies
- Defending constitutional rights
- Promoting limited government and fiscal responsibility
- Securing the border
- Strengthening the economy
- Empowering local communities
- Preserving the freedoms that define Nevada and America
“I believe in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and the power of local communities to shape their own future,” he added. “I will fight to secure our borders, strengthen our economy, and preserve the freedoms that make Nevada and America exceptional.”
These themes resonate strongly in NV-2 — one of the largest congressional districts in the country by land area, encompassing rural counties, mining communities, agricultural lands, growing areas like Carson City, and vast federal public lands.
The Road Ahead
Nevada’s 2nd District has been reliably Republican since its creation, and the GOP primary will likely decide the next representative. Settelmeyer enters as one of the first major candidates with strong name recognition, legislative experience, and proven leadership on the very issues that matter most to northern and rural Nevada.
The race is just getting started (filing deadline is March 13), but Settelmeyer’s story — rancher, conservation leader, and longtime advocate for Nevada-first policies — already positions him as a serious contender.
Whether you follow Nevada politics closely or are just tuning in, James Settelmeyer is a name to watch. His campaign will test whether voters want a candidate who has spent decades working the land, balancing budgets in Carson City, and protecting Nevada’s natural resources at the state level — now ready to take that fight to Washington.
What do you think? Drop a comment below — would love to hear from readers in Douglas, Lyon, Elko, or anywhere else in the district.
Stay tuned as this race develops. Nevada politics never disappoints.
