LAS VEGAS — In the recent elections, Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat from Nevada, secured her reelection by defeating Republican candidate Sam Brown in a closely contested and notably subdued campaign within the critical battleground state.

Rosen, who is serving her first term in the U.S. Senate, centered her campaign on abortion rights, presenting herself as a pragmatic, nonpartisan figure. This strategy mirrored the successful approach of her fellow Democratic Senator, Catherine Cortez Masto, who won her reelection bid two years prior.

Sam Brown, a retired Army captain who relocated from Texas to Nevada in 2018, had never held an elected office before this election. He sought to leverage the support of President-elect Donald Trump, who performed strongly in the working-class state, particularly during the Republican primary, where Brown enjoyed Trump’s backing and won convincingly. However, throughout the general election campaign, he faced a considerable financial disadvantage, allowing Rosen to maintain a dominant presence in advertising.

Rosen, formerly the president of a synagogue in the Las Vegas area and a computer programmer, portrayed herself as an independent thinker who does not adhere strictly to the directives of party leaders. Her campaign highlights included initiatives aimed at improving broadband internet accessibility and initiatives to connect Las Vegas to Southern California via light rail.

She was particularly aggressive in her criticism of Brown’s stance on abortion rights, claiming he would advocate for a national ban on abortions despite his assertion that he respects Nevada voters’ decision to legalize abortion decades earlier. Additionally, a recent ballot measure that would formally integrate abortion rights into the state constitution was successful, although it will require voter approval again in 2026 for finalization.

Throughout much of the campaign, the Senate race garnered scant national attention, contrasting sharply with the presidential race, where both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris focused heavily on Nevada and its six electoral votes. In the final days, conservative financial support surged, reflecting the GOP’s strong initial performance. Nonetheless, Brown struggled to counter Rosen’s campaign momentum.

Political analysts pointed out that Nevada has historically favored senators who deliver federal funding and results for the state. Brown, who earned a Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan where he was severely injured by an improvised explosive device in 2008, has undergone over 30 surgeries during his recovery. His campaign advertisements frequently highlighted his facial scars resulting from this incident.

In addition to his military service, Brown established a medical company focused on serving veterans. He had previously attempted, but failed, to secure the Republican nomination in the 2022 race against Cortez Masto.

Aside from Rosen’s victory, all four sitting U.S. House incumbents from Nevada, which includes three Democrats and one Republican, were also successful in their reelection campaigns this year.