A former politician from Carson City penned a scathing critique of a congressional candidate in September 2026, the letter carried the weight of decades of civic engagement. J.B. Barrette, a non-partisan former politician, accused Republican congressional candidate David Flippo of being a “fraud,” citing his lack of local ties and alleged misrepresentation of his military service. Barrette, who described himself as a neighbor of outgoing Congressman Mark Amodei, called Flippo a “carpetbagger” who “rented of late in Reno” and “spend[ed] like a drunken sailor to lose in Southern Nevada and win his Republican nomination up here.”
The letter, published in the Nevada Appeal, urged voters to reject Flippo, claiming he “rarely faces voters” and “lies about his service record.” Barrette also criticized Flippo’s plan to “take his ego, at taxpayers’ expense, to a well-paid gig in Washington, D.C.” and suggested voting for the “Reno Democrat” in the 2026 election. Flippo, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, faces Democrat Teresa Benitez-Thompson in the general election on Nov. 3.
Flippo’s Military Service Controversy
Flippo’s campaign has faced scrutiny over his military honors. A Washington Post report detailed that Flippo falsely claimed to have received a Bronze Star “for valor,” a distinction reserved for combat heroism. Military experts, including retired Army officer Jason Dempsey and Bronze Star recipient Doug Sterner, criticized the claim as a “falsification” and “lie.” The Air Force Personnel Center clarified that the Bronze Star without the “V” device denotes meritorious service, not valor. Flippo’s campaign attributed the misrepresentation to a “copywriter accidentally using old talking points,” but critics argued the error undermined his credibility.
Republicans Defend Flippo Military Record Amid Primary Loss
Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald and Combat Vets for Congress Chairman Bill Conrad defended Flippo, stating that his military record included an “Outstanding Unit Award with Valor” and that the “V” device was mistakenly applied to the wrong award. They described the controversy as a “remarkable problem to have” and emphasized Flippo’s “civic virtue.” However, Flippo’s campaign has struggled to gain traction, as evidenced by his 2024 Republican primary loss in Nevada’s 4th District. The 2nd District, which includes Reno and rural Nevada, has been held by Republicans since its creation after the 1980 Census.
Flippo’s general election campaign has focused on his military background, but the Bronze Star controversy has cast doubt on his qualifications. With the Nov. 3 election approaching, the race remains a focal point of Nevada’s political landscape.
