As Nevada gears up for the pivotal 2026 midterm elections, new data regarding campaign financing is shedding light on a potential disconnect between the state’s Democratic incumbents and their local constituents. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has spotlighted three prominent figures—Dina Titus (NV-01), Susie Lee (NV-03), and Steven Horsford (NV-04)—for their significant reliance on out-of-state donors to support their re-election bids.

Staggering Fundraising Figures

The trend is notable: a substantial portion of the campaign funding for these Democratic representatives has come from traditional liberal strongholds such as New York, California, and Washington, D.C., rather than from within Nevada itself. Among the data:

• Dina Titus received only $6,016 from Nevada sources, which accounts for just 18.5% of her itemized contributions totaling $32,604. This indicates that a striking 81.5% of her support originated from outside the state.
• Susie Lee’s in-state contributions fared slightly better, totaling 27.3%, amounting to $43,312 of her $158,465 in itemized contributions, leaving over 72% coming from national sources.
• Steven Horsford exhibited the most extreme reliance on out-of-state funding; only $8,429 (8.5%) of his $99,014 in itemized contributions was from Nevada, with only 3.2% of his overall haul of $371,102 attributable to his home state, showcasing a staggering 96% reliance on external donations.

Implications of Low Grassroots Support

This troubling trend raises significant questions regarding the political viability of these incumbents. The NRCC’s spokesman, Christian Martinez, remarked, “Democrats Dina Titus, Susie Lee, and Steven Horsford aren’t backed by Nevadans; they’re bankrolled by out-of-state, out-of-touch liberal elites from anywhere but Nevada.” This highlights a critical perception among voters that these representatives have lost touch with local needs and sentiments.

The pattern of low grassroots financial support could signal growing discontent among Nevada voters, particularly in swing districts. These representatives, who often present moderate platforms locally, may find themselves challenged by constituents upon identifying their alignment with more progressive agendas in Congress.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Midterms

As Nevada Democrats navigate this challenging fundraising landscape, the heavy dependence on out-of-state contributions may expose vulnerabilities ahead of the elections. In a political climate that is undergoing shifts, their ability to engage and connect authentically with Nevada voters could prove to be a critical factor in their re-election efforts.