Samuel Boaz “Sam” Brown, a retired U.S. Army Captain and Purple Heart recipient, became a central figure in Nevada’s 2024 Senate race. His journey—from battlefield trauma in Afghanistan to launching a political campaign built on resilience, entrepreneurship, and conservative values—captivated voters and analysts alike. While Brown narrowly lost the general election, his story highlights the influence of personal sacrifice in modern politics.
Early Life and Military Service
Born on October 15, 1983, in Arkansas, Sam Brown came from a proud military family. After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2006, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army and deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2008. During a mission to aid a fellow unit, Brown’s vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in catastrophic injuries—severe burns over 30% of his body and the loss of his left index finger.
Brown endured more than 30 surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Brown’s recovery journey, including the use of innovative virtual reality therapy to manage his pain, became an inspiring example of grit and courage.
Post-Army Life and Entrepreneurship
After medically retiring in 2011 as a Captain, Brown earned an MBA from Southern Methodist University. In 2012, he founded Palisade Strategies, a pharmaceutical-benefits company that helped provide critical medication to Veterans, especially when VA services fell short. Leveraging his service-disabled Veteran status, the company secured federal contracts worth nearly $3 million before Brown sold the business in 2022.
During these years, Brown also became involved in nonprofit work, chairing the Nevada Faith and Freedom Coalition. Though the organization is often tied to national anti-abortion efforts, Brown focused his involvement on criminal justice reform, combating human trafficking, and pandemic recovery initiatives.
Entering Politics: First Campaigns
Brown’s first run for public office came in 2014 when he sought a Texas House seat. Although he didn’t advance past the Republican primary, his experience fueled future political aspirations. He launched the Duty First PAC, named after his personal motto, to support other conservative candidates and causes.
In 2018, Brown moved to Reno, Nevada, with his wife and children. There, he began to build his base for a future Senate run.
The 2022 Nevada Senate Primary
Brown entered the 2022 Republican Senate primary in Nevada as a political outsider with a strong grassroots appeal. Emphasizing border security, economic stability, education reform, and traditional values, he built a passionate supporter base. Despite a compelling campaign and extensive media attention, he lost the primary to former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, who had greater institutional support.
The loss didn’t deter Brown. He took lessons from the experience and began laying the groundwork for a more formidable campaign in 2024.
Sam Brown: The 2024 Senate Campaign
On July 10, 2023, Sam Brown officially launched his second Senate campaign in Sparks, Nevada. In his announcement, he introduced himself as a Christian, husband, father, and Veteran—emphasizing a service-driven identity over political experience. His campaign focused on fixing inflation, controlling immigration, empowering parents in education, and protecting Nevada’s natural resources from federal overreach.
Brown attracted early fundraising success, consistently raising over $1 million per quarter. By early 2024, he had drawn support from key national Republicans and organizations, including the backing of the Senate Leadership Fund and several conservative PACs. In June 2024, former President Donald Trump endorsed Brown, calling him a “fearless American patriot.”
Winning the Primary
On June 11, 2024, Brown secured the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Nevada, winning 57.9% of the vote. His victory in a crowded primary field solidified his status as a rising star in the GOP and positioned him to challenge Democratic incumbent Jacky Rosen in the general election.
Key Campaign Issues
Brown’s policy platform blended conservative priorities with state-specific concerns. He opposed large-scale federal solar projects that displaced rural communities and pushed for more local input in land-use decisions. He pledged to secure the border and reduce inflation by cutting government spending and lowering taxes.
On education, Sam Brown advocated for parental rights and curriculum transparency, criticizing what he described as the growing politicization of public schools. He also called for increased vocational training and school choice.
Abortion emerged as a major issue. Brown identified as pro-life but took a more moderate stance than some in his party. He emphasized that he opposed federal abortion bans and believed Nevada’s current law—which permits abortion up to 24 weeks—should remain in place. His nuanced position aimed to appeal to Nevada’s more centrist electorate, though critics highlighted his earlier support for a 20-week ban in Texas.
Facing Jacky Rosen in the General Election
Incumbent Senator Jacky Rosen ran as a centrist Democrat, focusing on bipartisan legislative accomplishments, infrastructure investments, and healthcare affordability. The race quickly became one of the most competitive in the country, with national media and donors closely watching.
Rosen painted Brown as aligned with the “extreme MAGA” wing of the Republican Party, particularly on issues like abortion and federal education policy. Meanwhile, Brown leaned on his military credentials, small business success, and endorsements from national GOP leaders to present himself as a common-sense outsider.
Brown’s campaign toured rural Nevada extensively, where his message resonated with Veterans, small-business owners, and religious communities. He also attempted to expand outreach to Latino and Asian American voters in Las Vegas and Reno.
Election Outcome
Despite a well-funded and dynamic campaign, Brown narrowly lost the general election to Senator Rosen. Rosen secured 47.87% of the vote, compared to Brown’s 46.22%—a margin of about 24,000 votes. Though disappointed, Brown conceded graciously and thanked his supporters, vowing to continue serving in any way he could.
The loss came despite Republicans reclaiming the Senate majority overall, making Brown’s result a rare miss in an otherwise favorable GOP year.
Post-Election Role
In early 2025, Sam Brown was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs. The position, which oversees the country’s national cemeteries and Veteran memorial services, was a fitting continuation of Brown’s dedication to military families and public service. He was confirmed with bipartisan support, including backing from both of Nevada’s senators.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Sam Brown’s 2024 Senate campaign highlighted the power of authenticity in American politics. His story—scarred but not broken, humble yet ambitious—resonated with many. He bridged military service and business leadership with a message of duty, perseverance, and conservative values.
While he didn’t win the Senate seat, Brown left a mark on Nevada politics. His campaign energized the Republican base, sharpened the party’s message, and showcased a Veteran’s ability to lead through adversity.
Whether Brown runs again in 2026 or beyond remains uncertain. For now, his work within the Department of Veterans Affairs allows him to continue advocating for those who’ve worn the uniform—something he’s clearly called to do.
Conclusion
Sam Brown’s transformation from wounded U.S. Army Captain to political figure is a testament to service, recovery, and leadership. His 2024 Senate run in Nevada demonstrated how personal narratives can drive political engagement. Though he didn’t win the seat, his journey continues to inspire, reminding Americans that leadership often begins not in politics but in sacrifice.
