Populist Sentinel Poll Shows Former Ambassador Jeff Gunter Leading Marty O’Donnell 4-1 in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District if Gunter Runs.

November 12, 2025

Rob Lauer

Las Vegas, NV — Former U.S. Ambassador to Iceland Jeff Gunter is off to a strong start among Republican voters in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District, if he chooses to run, according to a new poll by RMC, a Washington D.C. and Las Vegas-based political consulting firm led by GOP political strategist Rory McShane.

The scientific survey of 434 likely Republican primary voters, with a 6 percent margin of error, tested how people would vote both before and after hearing brief background information about each potential candidate. Even before hearing any details, voters already gave Gunter a 4-1 lead, 44% to 10%. This shows that many recognized Gunters’ name from his 2024 U.S. Senate campaign.

The poll was first released by the Populist Sentinel in Washington, DC, which said,

“Trump-appointed former Ambassador to Iceland Jeff Gunter is the early front runner to win the Republican nomination for Nevada’s 3rd U.S. Congressional district. Gunter, a medical doctor who ran for U.S. Senate in 2024, is rumored to be considering a Congressional bid in the midterms and has already amassed a lead in his district over his potential competition already on the campaign trail.”

When respondents were told more about each candidate, Gunter’s numbers improved further. Voters reacted positively to his experience as a physician, businessman, and former ambassador appointed by President Donald Trump. The poll suggests that Gunter’s past service and visibility in Nevada have given him a head start with GOP voters who are looking for a conservative voice.

The survey also included video game designer and composer Marty O’Donnell, Heart surgeon Dr. Aury Nagy, and city planner Tera Anderson. While each brings a unique professional background and appeal, they are significantly behind Gunter’s lead despite him not even being a declared candidate.

Gunter performed especially well among conservative voters and those who supported Trump, who carried the district in 2024. Gunter will have a strong foundation if he decides to run, especially in a district that has become one of the most closely contested in the state.

Gunter poll results