Reproductive Rights

Post-Roe Leak

Brown Glossed Over The Threat Of Overturning Roe And Focused His Statement On The Leaked Document, Which He Claimed Was Leaked For The Purpose Of Intimidation. Brown tweeted, “I am proudly pro life and await final SCOTUS ruling. This is the first time in history a draft opinion was leaked. One purpose: Intimidation. Free speech. 2A. Independent judiciary. Public education. There is no American foundation the left won’t target for politicization.” [Twitter, @CaptainSamBrown, 5/3/22]

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Abortions, Generally

General Statements On Abortions

Brown Said Abortion Was “Not An Issue Of Choice.” According to Brown for Texas, “‘Everyone should have an opportunity at life. Reaching that point just before death in 2008 demonstrated to me the importance and impact every moment of life can have on us. Abortion is not an issue of choice. It is an issue of life and I am proudly pro-life. We need to do everything possible to support and encourage young mothers who are considering abortion to pursue adoption or to recognize the value of life and raise the child they have been blessed with.’” [Brown for Texas, accessed 6/8/23]

[VIDEO] Sam Brown Said He Would “Love To See Fewer Abortions” In The United States. “You know, I would love to see fewer abortions. I am pro-life. And, you know, with exceptions for those tragic cases in which there is rape, incest, or a threat to the life of the mother. But I think we can do better in helping to sort of create a pathway for adoption. We can do better with prenatal and postnatal care for moms.” [News 3, 7/13/23]

Sam Brown Called For Increasing Access To Abortion Alternatives. Sam Brown tweeted, “I always stand up for life. As a nation, we must do better to educate and encourage life-saving alternatives. Women need to know that they have options like adoption, and that they have access to better pre- and post-natal care support and family planning services.” [Twitter, @CaptainSamBrown, 3/12/24]

Sam Brown Agreed With Trump's Statement That Abortion Should Be Handled At The State Level. According to the Daily Caller, “Brown, who is an Army veteran vying for Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada’s seat, commended Trump’s stance in a statement to the DCNF. ‘Like President Trump, I am pro-life and believe the issue is now correctly left at the state level,’ Brown said. ‘I applaud President Trump for his compassionate and unwavering commitment to the Pro Life movement and helping more families have children through IVF.’” [Daily Caller, 4/8/24]

Government Funding

Brown Said He Would Oppose Any Federal Funding Towards Abortion Health Care. According to Captain Sam Brown for Senate, “Every life is precious, and it is in our American interest that we protect the lives of unborn babies just as we would protect the life of any other American. As a Senator, I will oppose any federal funding of abortion and only support U.S. Supreme Court Justices who understand the importance of protecting Life.” [Captain Sam Brown for Senate, accessed 6/8/23]

[AUDIO] Brown: “I Do Not Believe Any Federal Dollars Should Be Going Towards The Termination Of Unborn Lives.” “I am an advocate for pro-life and I do not believe any federal dollars should be going towards the termination of unborn lives. And here’s why, as someone who has been at the point of death and by Gods grace I survived, but I was waiting for death. I thought my life was over and some sense it was. Even though my life was painful, even though there was suffering, look what I’ve been able to participate in and accomplish. The joys of my life were worth the pain and suffering. And so I cherish every life because of that.” [Viet Voice of Vegas, 1/20/22]

Abortion Alternatives/IVF

Sam Brown Said He Supports IVF. Sam Brown tweeted, “Amy and I believe we should do more to promote loving families and help people experience the joys of parenthood. IVF and other similar fertility treatments are a blessing for so many families seeking that joy and we should ensure they remain accessible for them.” [Twitter, @CaptainSamBrown, 2/23/24]

Support For Anti-Abortion Candidates

Sam Brown Managed The Campaign For An Extreme Anti-Abortionist In Texas

Sam Brown Managed The Campaign For Sam Deen, An Extreme Anti-Abortionist Who Ran For Texas’s 5th Congressional District. According to the Nevada Current, “Sam Brown, the Republican nominee challenging Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen this year, personally recruited and managed the campaign for a congressional candidate in Texas who believed abortion bans should have no exceptions, the Current has learned. Campaign managers don’t automatically share the same political stances as the candidates they work for, but Brown’s professional and personal connections to an extreme anti-abortion congressional candidate are relevant as he faces criticism about inconsistent statements about his position on abortion rights. In 2018, veteran and small business owner Sam Deen ran for Texas’s 5th Congressional District, coming in third out of eight in the Republican primary. Deen on social media said Brown, who he called a ‘dear friend and war hero,’ personally asked him to run. Brown confirmed that story in his own social media posts, including in a video on Election Day where he encouraged voters in the district to head to the polls.” [Nevada Current, 6/20/24]

Deen Described Himself As “100% Pro-Life, No Exceptions.” According to the Nevada Current, “Although he did not center abortion as an issue, Deen described his political position as ‘100% Pro Life, no exceptions’ on social media. He also called for the complete repeal of the Affordable Care Act, the privatization of Social Security, and said the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage had ‘no real effect other than political grandstanding.’” [Nevada Current, 6/20/24]
Sam Brown Appeared To Remain Friends With Deen After Sam Brown Moved To Nevada. According to the Nevada Current, “The pair appear to have remained close even after Brown moved to Nevada in 2018. Deen solicited donations for the Sam Brown for Nevada Exploratory Committee prior to Brown officially entering the 2022 Nevada Senate race against Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto.” [Nevada Current, 6/20/24]

Sam Brown’s Campaign Did Not Respond To Requests For Comment On His Relationship With Deen. According to the Nevada Current, “Brown’s campaign did not respond to the Current’s request for comment on his professional relationship with Deen.” [Nevada Current, 6/20/24]

Anti-Abortion Groups

Anti-Choice Marches

January 21, 2022: Brown Thanked Participants At An Anti-Abortion March. Sam Brown posted, “Today and every day, I stand with LIFE. Thank you to all who are marching today to protect the unborn.” [Facebook, Sam Brown, accessed 1/21/22]

Nevada Faith And Freedom Coalition

Sam Brown Served As A Chairman Of An Anti-Choice Group In Nevada

2022: Sam Brown Was The Chairman Of The Nevada Faith And Freedom Coalition, A Nonprofit Group “Dedicated To Educating And Mobilizing People Of Faith, Advancing Individual Liberty, Helping Those In Need, Protecting Life And Building Strong Bonds Within Our Communities.” According to Nevada Independent, “In his failed run for U.S. Senate last year and a repeat run that began this past July, Brown has highlighted how his Christian faith has shaped his view on the subject. ‘The first thing I’m gonna tell you is because of my personal life experience and my faith, I am pro life,’ he said in July. In the wake of his primary election loss last year, Brown became the chairman of the Nevada Faith and Freedom Coalition, a nonprofit group ‘dedicated to educating and mobilizing people of faith, advancing individual liberty, helping those in need, protecting life and building strong bonds within our communities,’ according to its website. While the national Faith and Freedom Coalition has supported abortion laws stricter than Nevada’s, the Nevada branch has comparatively expressed few issue positions.” [Nevada Independent, 9/12/23]

Sam Brown Was Featured On The Main Page Of Nevada Faith And Freedom Coalition Website. [Faith And Freedom Coalisition, accessed 9/27/23]

Tim Head, The Executive Director Of The National Faith & Freedom Coalition Touted Sam Brown As A Competent Leader For The Organization. According to Nevada Faith And Freedom Coalition, “‘Sam is the definition of servant-leader, and we are honored that he has chosen to lead the Nevada Faith & Freedom Coalition as we work to educate, equip, and mobilize Nevadans of all faiths,’ said Tim Head, Executive Director of the national Faith & Freedom Coalition.” [Nevada Faith And Freedom Coalition, accessed 9/27/23]

Faith And Freedom Coalition Supported A Wide Range Of Anti-Choice Legislation, Including Total Abortion Bans And Restrictions On Abortion Pills And Other Care

Faith And Freedom Celebrated A Ruling That Would Ban Abortion Pills In The State Of West Virginia. Faith and Freedom tweeted, “Another step forward in protecting life in our country!” Twitter, @FaithandFreedom, 8/25/23]

Faith And Freedom Celebrated South Dakota’s Total Abortion Ban. Faith and Freedom tweeted, “THIS is why we fight for life!” [Twitter, @FaithandFreedom, 8/18/23]

Faith And Freedom Celebrated Oklahoma’s Total Abortion Ban. Faith and Freedom tweeted, “THIS is why we fight for life!” [Twitter, @FaithandFreedom, 8/11/23]

Faith And Freedom Coalition Supported Georgia’s Six Week Abortion Ban. Faith and Freedom tweeted, “We applaud Georgia lawmakers who passed a bill to ban abortions after an unborn baby’s heartbeat is detectable. We encourage other states to do the same.” [Twitter, @FaithandFreedom, 3/17/19]

Faith And Freedom Coalition Supported Texas Six Week Abortion Ban. Faith and Freedom tweeted, “Faith & Freedom applaud Texas for being the first state in the nation to pass six-week abortion ban.” [Twitter, @FaithandFreedom, 9/4/21]

Faith And Freedom Advocated For And Eventually Celebrated The Overturning Of Roe V Wade

Faith And Freedom Supported The Overturning Of Roe V Wade. Faith and Freedom tweeted, “More and more precious lives are being saved every day, but the battle continues. Keep fighting, voting and praying!” [Twitter, @FaithandFreedom, 8/3/23]

Faith And Freedom Coalition Founder And Chairman: “Roe V. Wade Has Been Overturned And It Is In The Ash Heap Of History Where It Belongs.” Faith and Freedom tweeted, “Faith and Freedom Coalition Founder and Chairman, @ralphreed opened today’s General Session with hopeful words. ‘Roe v. Wade has been overturned and it is in the ash heap of history where it belongs.’” [Twitter, @FaithandFreedom, 6/23/23]

Faith And Freedom Coalition Supported The Overturning Of Roe V Wade. Faith and Freedom tweeted, “The right to life needs to be protected! Roe v. Wade has gotten in the way of that for years, but the Supreme Court is renewing our hope!” [Twitter, @FaithandFreedom, 4/21/22]

Faith And Freedom Celebrated The Impact Overturning Roe V Wade Had On Access To Safe Abortion Care. Faith and Freedom tweeted, “Eight states and counting have banned abortion since Roe was overturned a month ago! @LifeNewsHQ” [Twitter, @FaithandFreedom, 6/30/23]

Faith And Freedom Coalition Expressed Hope For A Conservative Filled Supreme Court To Overturn Roe V Wade. Faith and Freedom tweeted, “A surge of #ProLife judges could end Roe v. Wade once and for all. @CBNNews “ [Twitter, @FaithandFreedom, 4/6/18]

Faith And Freedom Coalition Praised Then Nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, For Expressing His Intent To Overturn Roe V Wade. Faith and Freedom tweeted, “‘Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh on Wednesday repeatedly indicated he would be open to overturning ‘settled law,’ including Roe v. Wade, citing a long list of past Supreme Court cases that had been ruled against precedent.’” [Twitter, @FaithandFreedom, 12/2/21]

Sam Brown Omitted Work With Nevada Faith And Freedom Coalition From Financial Disclosure

Sam Brown Did Not Disclose On Financial Disclosure Form His Previous Role As Executive Board Chairman Of Nevada Faith And Freedom Coalition, Whose National Chapter Advocated For Some Of The Most Stringent Anti-Abortion Laws Across The Country. According to the Las Vegas Sun, “Nevada Democrats are seeking sanctions against Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Sam Brown for failing to disclose on financial disclosure forms his previous role as executive board chairman for a nonprofit whose national chapter has advocated for some of the most stringent anti-abortion laws across the country. Brown, a retired U.S. Army captain, was named chairman of the Nevada Faith and Freedom Coalition’s executive board last November and has been listed in secretary of state filings as the nonprofit corporation’s president since March.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/8/23]

Sam Brown Spokesperson Claimed That Brown Had Not Been With The Organization Since May 2023. According to the Las Vegas Sun, “A spokesperson for Brown’s campaign told the Sun in an email that Brown hasn’t been with the organization for several months. ‘Sam has not done any work with the Nevada Faith and Freedom Coalition since May 2023, well before his campaign launch,’ the spokesperson said. ‘Sam resigned from his position and we asked that he be removed from their website. It was strictly a volunteer position.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/8/23]
Senate Rules Mandated A Candidate Must “Report All Compensated And Uncompensated Positions” Held At Any Time During The Preceding Two Calendar Years Through The Date Of Filing. According to the Las Vegas Sun, “However, Senate rules — which are independent of requirements set by the Federal Election Commission — mandate a candidate must ‘report all compensated and uncompensated positions’ held at any time during the preceding two calendar years through the date of filing, including positions currently held as an officer, director, trustee, general partner, proprietor, representative, employee or consultant of any business enterprise, nonprofit organization, labor organization or educational institution. Brown filed his candidacy July 10 and submitted his first personal financial disclosure (PFD) report Sept. 6, according to Senate records. Candidates are not required to report positions held in any religious, social, fraternal or political entity, nor any positions held solely of an honorary nature. The Nevada Faith & Freedom Coalition doesn’t fall into any of these categories.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/8/23]
Sam Brown Was Still Featured Prominently On The Nevada Faith And Freedom Coalition’s Website, Both On Its Homepage And Its “About” Section Until Shortly After The Las Vegas Sun Reached Out To Brown’s Campaign. According to the Las Vegas Sun, “Brown was still featured prominently on the Nevada Faith & Freedom Coalition’s website, both on its homepage and its ‘about’ section until shortly after the Sun reached out to Brown’s campaign Tuesday. The only press release under the website’s ‘news’ tab is a Nov. 20, 2022, piece announcing Brown as the organization’s chairman. As of Wednesday, the website’s homepage featured a quote from late civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. The ‘about’ section also removed mention of Brown. When the Sun contacted the phone number listed on the Nevada Faith & Freedom Coalition’s website, an automated system stated it ‘could no longer take calls at this time,’ and hung up.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/8/23]

Sam Brown Diminished His Presence On The Faith And Freedom Coalition Website

Sam Brown Tried To Distance Himself From The Anti-Abortion Organization. According to Axios, “Brown, who unsuccessfully sought the GOP Senate nomination two years ago, led the Nevada branch of the Faith and Freedom Coalition between his 2022 and 2024 campaigns. The group is an offshoot of the national Faith and Freedom Coalition, a staunchly anti-abortion organization that has supported some of the toughest state-level abortion restrictions — including Texas' ban on the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy. Brown — a former Army captain who was severely burned after a roadside bomb detonated in Afghanistan in 2008 — was featured prominently on the state organization's website before declaring his Senate candidacy last July, according to archives of the site. Today, Brown's footprint on the organization's website essentially has been erased, aside from a 2022 press release announcing his appointment as the group's chair.” [Axios, 5/20/24]

Sam Brown’s Campaign Said His Work With The Group Was Focused More On Human Trafficking Than Abortion. According to Axios, “Brown has described the state organization as a ‘spinoff’ of the national group, but also has called it a ‘separate entity.’ His campaign says his efforts with the Nevada group were focused more on issues such as human trafficking, rather than abortion. ‘His efforts were focused on several critical issues facing our state: combating human trafficking, advocating for meaningful criminal justice reform, and supporting the devastated communities recovering from the COVID-19 shutdowns,’ Kristy Wilkinson, Brown's communications director, told Axios.” [Axios, 5/20/24]

Despite Trying To Distance Himself From The Organization, Sam Brown PAC Duty First Nevada Was Helmed By The Former Communications Director For The National Branch Of The Faith And Freedom Coalition

Sam Brown PAC Duty First Nevada Was Helmed By The Former Communications Director For The Faith And Freedom Coalition. According to American Journal News, “Now, another tie between Brown and the Faith and Freedom Coalition has come to light. Duty First Nevada, a political action committee supporting Brown, is being helmed by conservative strategist Lance Lemmonds. Prior to joining the group, Lemmonds served as communications director for the national branch of the Faith and Freedom Coalition. According to FEC filings, Lemmonds has been paid approximately $90,000 by Duty First Nevada since August 2023. Last month, the group spent $323,000 on TV ads supporting Brown.” [American Journal News, 5/28/24]

Sam Brown Had Ties To Ralph Reed, The Founder Of The Faith And Freedom Coalition Who Recently Compared Abortion To Slavery

Sam Brown Had Ties To Ralph Reed, The Founder Of The Faith And Freedom Coalition Who Recently Compared Abortion To Slavery. According to American Journal News, “Ralph Reed, founder of the anti-abortion group the Faith and Freedom Coalition, compared abortion to slavery in a June 5 interview with the Washington Post. The remarks are bringing unwanted attention to U.S. Senate candidate Sam Brown, who once held a leadership position in the same organization. […] Reed made his remarks in response to a question about whether Republicans should push for a national abortion ban in their 2024 platform. ‘[The Republican Party] was really founded as a third party in order to right a wrong, in order to ameliorate an evil, in order to eliminate from our national life what was a collective and national sin. And that was slavery and racism,’ Reed said. ‘We believe that the taking of innocent human life in their mother’s womb is equally a national sin and equally morally wrong.’” [American Journal News, 6/18/24]

Sam Brown Was The Former President And Chairman Of The Nevada Faith And Freedom Coalition, A Role His Campaign Tried To Diminish By Calling It A “Volunteer Position.” According to American Journal News, “Brown previously ran for senate in 2022 but failed to advance past the Republican primary. Following that election, he was named President and Chairman of the Nevada Faith and Freedom Coalition, the official state chapter of the national Faith and Freedom Coalition. The group advocates for policies that are in line with an evangelical worldview. They have backed state level abortion bans across the country. Brown did not include his work with the Faith and Freedom Coalition on his personal financial disclosure report. In an October 2023 statement to the Las Vegas Sun, a Brown spokesperson claimed Brown was not compensated for the work. ‘Sam has not done any work with the Nevada Faith and Freedom Coalition since May 2023, well before his campaign launch,’ the spokesperson said. ‘Sam resigned from his position and we asked that he be removed from their website. It was strictly a volunteer position.’” [American Journal News, 6/18/24]

Nevada Right To Life

Sam Brown Attended Nevada Right To Life Annual Gala

September 2023: Sam Brown Attended Nevada Right To Life’s Annual Friends For Life Gala. According to the Nevada Current, “Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sam Brown last month quietly attended an anti-abortion rights organization’s annual gala — a hint at where he stands on an issue he has largely tried to downplay on the campaign trail. Brown and his campaign did not publicize his attendance at Nevada Right to Life’s 16th Annual Friends for Life Gala — held on Sept. 8 at The Reno Ballroom — but Douglas County Commissioner Mark Gardner posted a photo on social media of himself with the retired Army captain and their wives at the event. The Current reached out to the Brown campaign to confirm his attendance but did not receive a response. A desire to avoid being publicly connected to an anti-abortion rights group is not unexpected from any candidate hoping to survive both a GOP primary where they must appease a far-right base and a general election where a majority of voters will be more supportive of reproductive rights.” [Nevada Current, 10/3/23]

Women’s Resource Medical Center

Brown Attended The Women’s Resource Medical Center’s “Shareholders In Life” Gala. Sam Brown posted, “Amy and I were proud to attend the Women’s Resource Medical Center’s ‘Shareholders in Life’ gala last night — in support of the critical services and resources they provide to Southern Nevada communities.” [Facebook, Sam Brown, accessed 5/14/22]

Abortion Legislation

Jacky Rosen’s Record

[VIDEO] Sam Brown Attacked Jacky Rosen For Her Stance On Abortion, He Accused Her Of Being Too Extreme For Advocating For Abortion Funding And The Codification Of Abortion Protections In Federal Law. “But Jacky Rosen is out of touch with us. Our values, she's actually voted to have federal law supersede our law. She's extreme on this issue. The vast majority of Nevadans don't support what she supports, which is federal funding of abortion, the allowance of minors to have abortions without parental notification or consent, and late-term abortion. We’re talking about abortion up to seven, eight, nine months. This is out of step with our values. And she wants to push that federal law and supersede our state law.” [News 3, 7/13/23]

Sam Brown Attacked Jacky Rosen For Her Work To Protect Reproductive Freedom

American Independent: “Nevada GOP Senate Candidate Calls Opponent Out Of Touch For Supporting Reproductive Rights.” According to American Independent, “But Jacky Rosen is out of touch with us. Our values. She’s actually voted to have federal law supersede our law. She’s extreme on this issue. The vast majority of Nevadans don’t support what she supports, which is federal funding of abortion, the allowance of minors to have abortion without parental notification or consent, and late term abortion. We’re talking about abortion up to 7, 8, 9 months. This is out of step with our values. And she wants to push that federal law and supersede our state law.” [American Independent, 7/17/23]

National Abortion Ban

July 2023: Brown Refused To Say If He Would Support A National Abortion Ban. According to Nevada Independent, “He also re-emphasized similar positions to his 2022 run, tying excessive government spending to inflation, arguing for smaller government through less taxes and fewer regulations and affirming that he is ‘pro life’ — though he declined to say whether he would support or oppose a national abortion ban.” [Nevada Independent, 7/12/23]

Sam Brown Dismissed Questions About His Support For National Abortion Ban, Claiming It Was “Hypothetical Legislation.” According to Nevada Independent, “On Tuesday, he said again that he was ‘pro life,’ but he declined to say whether he would support or oppose a national abortion ban, adding that he was ‘not going to deliberate on hypothetical legislation.’” [Nevada Independent, 7/12/23]

[VIDEO] When Asked If He Would Consider Supporting A Federal Abortion Ban, Sam Brown Said He Did Not See The Possibility Of Federal Or State Law Changing In That Way. “No, I don't see that there's any pathway to the federal law or the state law changing. And I certainly can't sort of hypothesize what that would look like. But we are where we are. I would love to see fewer abortions. I want to see better care for moms. And I would love to see more adoptions.” [News 3, 7/13/23]

Sam Brown Said He Does Not Support A Federal Abortion Ban. According to NBC News, “In a 2022 GOP Senate primary debate against Laxalt — the election Sam would lose — he initially seemed noncommittal on where he stood on a possible federal abortion ban. ‘This is something as it stands that would be currently left to the states,’ he said then. ‘But once again, I am pro-life, and if there were any sort of legislation that would come forward, I’d want to see that specific language.’ When asked about that statement and whether he was leaving the door open to a federal abortion ban, Sam told NBC News: ‘I close the door. I’m not going to support a federal abortion ban.’” [NBC News, 2/21/24]

Sam Brown Continued On To Say He Could Not Be Counted On To Vote For A Federal Abortion Ban If Elected Senator. According to NBC News, “He maintained he would not budge on that stance even if Republicans won the Senate chamber and put forward a bill establishing a national ban. Sam even said that at a recent event, he told Sen. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who has proposed a national 15-week abortion ban, that if he were elected to the Senate and Graham again proposed a national abortion ban, he could not count on Sam for a vote. Graham’s office did not respond to a request for comment.” [NBC News, 2/21/24]

Nevada’s Abortion Protections

Sam Brown Softened His Stance On Nevada's Abortion Protections Over The Course Of His Campaign

Sam Brown Refused To Say If He Would Support Efforts To Upend Nevada’s Abortion Protections, “That’s A Hypothetical Situation That We’re Not Dealing With Today.” According to Nevada Independent, “When asked if he’d support an effort to change Nevada’s abortion law — which protects access up to 24 weeks of pregnancy and can only be overturned by a majority of voters — Brown said, ‘That’s a hypothetical situation that we’re not dealing with today.’” [Nevada Independent, 7/12/23]

Sam Brown Refused To Disclose His Stance On Nevada’s Current Abortion Protections But Added That He Did Not See The Possibility Of Nevada’s Laws Changing. According to Nevada Independent, “‘The fact of the matter is I don’t see Nevada’s laws changing,’ Brown said.” [Nevada Independent, 7/12/23]

[VIDEO] Sam Brown Claimed That Nevada’s Protections For Abortion Would Not Change. “But I think we can do better in helping to sort of create a pathway for adoption. We can do better with prenatal and postnatal care for moms. And the simple fact of the matter is Nevada law is not changing. I don't see any change there.” [News 3, 7/13/23]

Sam Brown Said He “Is Not In A Position” To And “Will Not” Change The Existing Nevada Abortion Protections. According to NBC News, “He is opposed to the federal funding of abortions, late-term abortions and abortions without parental notification. ‘As someone who’s striving to represent Nevada in the U.S. Senate, Nevadans also need to know, voters need to know here, that I’m not in a position to — nor do I want to — do anything that changes our existing law,’ Sam said. ‘I cannot change it. I will not change it. I respect the law that the voters put in place over 30 years ago that grants access for women up to 24 weeks.’” [NBC News, 2/21/24]

Sam Brown Refused To Say How He Will Vote On Nevada’s Abortion Measure In November

Sam Brown Refused To Say How He Will Vote Nevada’s Abortion Measure In November. According to the Nevada Current, “U.S. Senate candidate Sam Brown says he won’t support a hypothetical national ban on abortion. But the Republican challenger to Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen won’t say how he will vote in November on a very real abortion measure on Nevada’s ballot. If the ballot question passes in consecutive elections in 2024 and 2026, abortion rights that mirror those guaranteed by Roe v. Wade for nearly half a century would be enshrined in the state constitution. The protections exceed those favored by Brown, who has said he opposes abortion except in the case of medical emergencies, incest and rape.” [Nevada Current, 7/2/24]

Sam Brown Avoided Saying Whether He Would Vote In Favor Of The Measure On Multiple Occasions. According to the Nevada Current, “‘We’re talking about someone’s life and someone who is really in a tough spot and that’s why I’m not going to support a federal abortion ban,’ Brown, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, says in a new ad. ‘I believe very strongly in letting ‘the people’ decide,’ he doubled down this weekend in an editorial in the Las Vegas Sun. But Brown is unwilling so far to let the people know where he stands on Nevada’s ballot question. ‘Yeah, I’ll be one of approximately one and a half million voters at that point in time,’ Brown told a Reno TV station in May when asked how he’ll vote. ‘And, and I have always said whether it was a decade ago or yesterday that this issue is something that should be addressed by the voters in their states. And so I respect that, I have always respected that, and the voters of Nevada will again determine what the approach is.’” [Nevada Current, 7/2/24]

Sam Brown’s Campaign Spokeswoman Ignored Requests To Comment On His Position On The Measure. According to the Nevada Current, “Brown’s campaign spokeswoman has ignored requests to respond to the Current’s questions on the Nevada measure.” [Nevada Current, 7/2/24]

Sam Brown Suggested He Did Not Support The Abortion Measure Because It Would Change The Existing Legislation

Sam Brown Said He Was “Not For Changing” The Existing Abortion Laws In Nevada. According to The Nevada Independent, “Republican Senate candidate Sam Brown, who has declined to say publicly how he would vote on an abortion ballot question, said last week that he was not in favor of changing the law. Nevadans will vote this fall on a ballot measure to add protections for abortion rights to the state’s Constitution. Abortion is already legal in Nevada through 24 weeks of pregnancy and, because it was approved in a 1990 ballot referendum, is only reversible through another vote of the people. In audio obtained by The Nevada Independent, Brown, asked about where he stood on the ballot measure, indicated skepticism about the ballot question. ‘I'm not for changing our existing law,’ Brown said in the clip taken at a campaign meet and greet in Las Vegas on Aug. 28. ‘Our existing law has been in place for over 34 years. The ballot measure would change the law and essentially [create] no limit on access to abortion.’” [Nevada Independent, 9/4/24]

Sam Brown Did Not Answer A Follow Up Question Explicitly Asking Whether He Would Support The Measure, Which Would Protect The Right To Abortion Through Around 24 Weeks. According to The Nevada Independent, “Brown then said that the constitutional amendment would allow abortion up to 40 weeks — but did not answer a follow-up question on if he would suggest voting against it. If passed, the ballot amendment would protect the right to an abortion through ‘fetal viability’ — considered to be near the 24-week mark — or when necessary to ‘protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.’ It would apply the same standard that current Nevada law protects, with the only difference being that a constitutional amendment would be more difficult to overturn.” [Nevada Independent, 9/4/24]

Sam Brown’s Campaign Declined To Comment On How He Would Vote On The Measure.

According to The Nevada Independent, “If elected, Brown said he would vote to confirm federal judges that ‘understand the importance of protecting life’ and vote against bills that incorporate federal funding for abortion, abortions without parental notification or so-called ‘late-term abortions’ — rare instances unavailable in most states in which abortions are performed beyond 21 weeks due to medical concerns. His campaign declined to comment on how he will vote on the ballot measure — a tack he has previouslytaken.” [Nevada Independent,

9/4/24

]

Roe v Wade

Brown Dodged Questions On The Potential Threat Overturning Roe Could Have On Same-Sex Marriage. According to Reno Gazette Journal, “Laxalt and Brown said a Supreme Court decision undoing Roe v. Wade would not pose an immediate threat to gay marriage protections established by past court precedents. “ [Reno Gazette Journal, 5/9/22]

Women’s Health Protection Act

Sam Brown Attacked Rosen’s Support For The Women’s Health Protection Act. According to Nevada Independent, “Brown, meanwhile, criticized Rosen’s position on abortion as extreme, including taking issue with her support for the Women’s Health Protection Act — legislation aimed at enshrining into law the struck-down protections from Roe v. Wade.” [Nevada Independent, 7/12/23]

Attempts To Re-Write His Anti-Abortion Past

Sam Brown Tried To Hide His Connection To The Anti-Abortion Faith And Freedom Coalition. According to Jezebel, “Sam Brown, who won the Republican primary last week, says he is pro-life but also claims that, if elected, he would not vote for a national abortion ban. This is a pivot from his position before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade—when he said he would always protect life—and before he tried and failed to win the GOP nomination in 2022. Upon losing that race, he became president and chairman of Nevada Faith and Freedom Coalition, an anti-abortion group. After announcing his second Senate run, Brown left the organization off his disclosure forms. The Trump-endorsed Brown will face off against Sen. Jacky Rosen (D) in what’s expected to be one of the most competitive Senate races this year, and where a constitutional amendment to protect abortion is likely to be on the ballot. (Abortion is currently legal in Nevada up to the 24th week). The strong possibility of an abortion ballot measure means Nevada could be a prime opportunity for a Republican candidate to try to convince people that they can vote for him and the abortion measure.” [Jezebel, 6/17/24]

Sam Brown Tried To Use His Wife’s Story Of Her Abortion To Appear Softer On Abortion Legislation. According to Jezebel, “After a decade of supporting abortion bans, Brown announced this change of heart during a February interview with NBC News. Brown and his wife Amy shared the story of her own abortion, which she got in Texas in 2008, months before they met. (They’d get married in 2009, after meeting while the former Army captain was recovering in a burn unit where she was working as a dietician.) Brown said his wife’s abortion taught him that ‘we’ve got to lead with compassion.’ He added that he would vote against both a 15-week abortion ban and a total ban because doing so would override the will of people in Nevada, where abortion is legal through 24 weeks. ‘Nevadans also need to know, voters need to know here, that I’m not in a position to—nor do I want to—do anything that changes our existing law,’ Brown told NBC. ‘I cannot change it. I will not change it. I respect the law that the voters put in place over 30 years ago that grants access for women up to 24 weeks.’ ‘The [Nevada] law is stable and it’s not going anywhere,’ he continued. ‘But I have seen and I expect that some people will try to use falsehoods and fear to make it an issue that probably in reality shouldn’t be used as a wedge issue.’” [Jezebel, 6/17/24]

This Was A Complete Reversal From His Past Stance On Abortion. According to Jezebel, “This is misleading, and a reversal from the 2022 Senate campaign when he said ‘I’m pro life, and I always will stand on the side of protecting life.’ During that campaign, he also left the door open to voting for a federal ban, saying in a primary debate: ‘If there were any sort of legislation that would come forward, I’d want to see that specific language.’ (Brown lost the GOP primary to former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, who lost to the incumbent Democrat, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto by less than one point.) Five months before the NBC interview, in September 2023, Brown said he only supported abortion in the cases of rape, incest, and life of the mother. The Associated Press also reported in March that it wasn’t the first time Brown ‘adjusted’ his stance on abortion. In July 2021, Brown’s campaign website said it is ‘in our American interest that we protect the lives of unborn babies just as we would protect the life of any other American.’ But that statement has since been removed.” [Jezebel, 6/17/24]
Amy Brown Had Also Spoken About Her Abortion At Least Three Times In The Past. According to Jezebel, “The Browns also said the February interview was the first time Amy publicly shared her abortion story, but Amy’s spoken about it at least three times before, often in opposition to reproductive freedom. In October 2014, Amy recorded a video testimonial supporting Texas Bill HB2, the law at the center of Wendy Davis’ famous filibuster, which banned abortion after 20 weeks and shut down half the clinics in the state. In the video, which has not been previously reported, Amy called HB2 ‘an amazing step in the right direction.’ Brown ran for a seat in the Texas Legislature in 2014 and supported the law, which lacked exceptions for rape or incest. Amy also wrote about her abortion in a 2014 blog post for Watermark Community Church and spoke about it during a 2021 podcast appearance in which she agreed with the male host that men should have input in women’s abortion decisions.” [Jezebel, 6/17/24]

Sam Brown Said He Believed Abortion Was “Correctly” Left To Be Handled At The State Level

Sam Brown’s Campaign Said “Like Trump,” He Believed Abortion Was “Correctly” Left To Be Handled At The State Level. According to Jezebel, “When reached for comment, Brown said via a campaign spokesperson that he and Amy believe ‘mothers who are facing an unplanned pregnancy deserve the utmost compassion and understanding.’ (Notice how he said ‘mothers,’ not ‘women’—if you’re pregnant, you’re automatically a mom.) Brown continued: ‘I am pro-life, with exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother. Like President Trump, I believe the issue is now correctly left at the state level and applaud his leadership.’” [Jezebel, 6/17/24]

Sam Brown Did Not Address How, If Abortion Was Left To The States, Women In Texas Would Not Have The Same Option That Amy Brown Had in 2008. According to Jezebel, “But Trump doesn’t actually believe that abortion should be left to the states—it’s only what he’s saying in order to win the election. Plus, leaving abortion to the states means women in Texas don’t have the same choice today that Amy Brown had in 2008 since nearly all abortions are banned there. And Trump doesn’t need Brown to vote on any bills to dramatically restrict or even ban abortion. He can do that via executive action, like by having the Department of Justice enforce the long-dormant Comstock Act, or directing the Food and Drug Administration to revoke approval of the abortion drug mifepristone. Or his federal judges could rule in favor of fetal personhood.” [Jezebel, 6/17/24]

Sam Brown’s Campaign Did Not Respond Before Publication To A Comment On Whether He Would Support A 20-Week Abortion Ban. According to Jezebel, “The Senate confirms a president’s nominees to run agencies and to sit on federal courts and it matters immensely who Trump installs at the DOJ and the FDA and who gets a lifetime seat on the judiciary. Brown’s website says he would confirm judges ‘who understand the importance of protecting life.’ It also says he opposes ‘late term abortions,’ which is a nonmedical term conservatives use to refer to abortions later in pregnancy. Jezebel asked the campaign how Brown would vote on a 20-week abortion ban and they did not respond by publication time.” [Jezebel, 6/17/24]

Exceptions

Sam Brown Said He Supported Exemptions In The Case Of Rape, Incest Or Threats To The Life Of A Mother. According to Nevada Independent, “He noted that he supported exceptions in cases of rape, incest and a threat to the life of a mother, but said broadly his goal was to reduce the number of abortions, including through ensuring easier paths to adoption and providing better prenatal and postnatal care.” [Nevada Independent, 7/12/23]

Judicial Nominees

Sam Brown Said He Would Only Support Anti-Choice Nominees To The Supreme Court. According to Captain Sam Brown for Senate, “As a Senator, I will oppose any federal funding of abortion and only support U.S. Supreme Court Justices who understand the importance of protecting Life.” [Captain Sam Brown for Senate, accessed 6/8/23]

Campaign Platform

2024

Sam Brown Fundraised Off Of Tuberville’s Effort To Block Military Promotions

Sam Brown’s Donation Page Encouraged Donors To Join Senator Tommy Tuberville “In His Fight To Stop Military-funded Abortion Trips.” According to Punchbowl News, “Nevada GOP Senate candidate Sam Brown is fundraising off of Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-Ala.) months-long blockade of senior military promotions. The donation page asks prospective donors if they support Tuberville ‘in his fight to stop military-funded abortion trips.’ The state’s incumbent, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), is staunchly pro-abortion rights and has been outspoken about Tuberville’s blockade. Brown is a former Army captain who received a Purple Heart after he was gravely wounded in Afghanistan and suffered permanent burn wounds. Interestingly, the donation page splits the donation with the NRSC, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Tim Sheehy, a GOP candidate for Senate in Montana.” [Punchbowl News, 9/27/23]

Sam Brown’s Website Lists Crisis Pregnancy Centers As “Resources For Women”

Sam Brown’s Website Lists Crisis Pregnancy Center, Organizations That Overwhelmingly Supported Alternatives To Abortion, As “Resources For Women.” According to The Nevada Independent, “But in spite of acknowledging that there are circumstances in which an abortion may be appropriate, a list of ‘RESOURCES FOR WOMEN’ appeared on Brown’s campaign website around the time of the interview that directs users to crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) — organizations that often oppose abortion across the board, do not refer women for the procedure and sometimes promote debunked theories that the procedure can contribute to future infertility or breast cancer. Instead, the centers offer parenting classes, referrals to adoption agencies and, sometimes, a place for pregnant women to stay and transportation to and from medical appointments. They often offer counseling, including for women who have had an abortion, and Bible studies.” [Nevada Independent, 3/25/24]

None Of The Organizations Refer For Abortions, And Some Promote Misinformation About Long-Term Effects Of Abortion. According to The Nevada Independent, “Of the seven Nevada-based centers and national hotline that Brown refers women to on his website, none refer for abortions. But most have tabs on their webpages about abortion, listing side effects and sometimes promoting misinformation about long-term effects. Many caution that women who choose to terminate pregnancies are frequently coerced and have regret, anxiety and guilt.” [Nevada Independent, 3/25/24]

Sam Brown Changed The Language He Used To Discuss Abortion On His Website Multiple Times Over The Course Of His Senate Campaign

July 2023: Sam Brown’s Website Stated He Was Clearly Pro-Life And Against Federal Funding Of Abortion, With No Mention Of Exceptions. According to Mother Jones, “In July 2023, Brown’s site offered a brief and clear message on abortion: ‘Every life is precious, and it is in our American interest that we protect the lives of unborn babies just as we would protect the life of any other American. As a Senator, I will oppose any federal funding of abortion and only support U.S. Supreme Court Justices who understand the importance of protecting Life.’ This was routine, if somewhat vague, rhetoric for a politician who calls himself ‘pro-life.’ No mention of exceptions. No talk of respecting those who support women’s freedom on this matter. The following month, Brown’s website expanded its statement on abortion, adding that he opposed late-term abortions and abortions without parental notification. Brown noted, ‘Every life is precious, I learned that firsthand when I nearly lost my own life in Afghanistan.’” [Mother Jones, 9/5/24]

February 2024: Sam Brown’s Website Clearly Stated His Opposition To A National Abortion Ban And Vowed To Not Touch Nevada’s Abortion Protections. According to Mother Jones, “By the end of February, the ‘Life’ section on Brown’s website had changed again. He still stated his opposition. But Brown added a twist: ‘Nevada voters have made it clear where they stand on this issue, by enshrining protections for abortion in our state law. As a U.S. Senator, I will not vote to overturn the decision of Nevadans—I will not support a national abortion ban.’ He added, ‘We must come together, as a nation, to engage in honest dialogue to personalize—not politicize — this important issue and make sure all voices are heard.’ Brown had moved from stating his outright opposition to abortion to now saying that he would not challenge Nevada state law that protects reproductive freedom and that he would oppose an nationwide ban. (In Nevada, thanks to a 1990 referendum, abortion is legal through the the first 24 weeks of pregnancy and afterward to protect the health of the mother.) He also was calling for a productive national conversation about abortion—not merely advocating curtailing or outlawing it.” [Mother Jones, 9/5/24]

This Shift Marked A Notable Change From His Past Stance On Abortion When He Was Involved In Texas Politics. According to Mother Jones, “This was quite a step for Brown. The previous September, he had declined to say whether he backed a national abortion ban. He had also then refused to comment on his previous support for a 20-week abortion ban during his failed 2014 bid for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. Touting that measure, Brown had declared at the time, ‘On issues of life, that is a nonnegotiable for me.’ Texas law at that point included an exception for preserving the life of the mother but not for rape or incest. And during that losing campaign, Brown had even called for greater restrictions on abortion: ‘I think that it’s a shame that here in Texas, which is being lauded as such a conservative state with regard to the issue of life, half of Europe has stricter laws than we do here.’” [Mother Jones, 9/5/24]

September 2024: Sam Brown’s Website Includes Language About Exceptions, Which He Appeared To Previously Oppose. According to Mother Jones, “The current version of Brown’s website contains yet another alteration to the ‘Life’ section. It now states, ‘I am pro life, with exceptions for the tragic cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother.’ Brown had added the standard exceptions (though he said for the ‘life’ not the ‘health’ of the mother) that he had once seemed to oppose.” [Mother Jones, 9/5/24]

2022

Brown Listed “Life” As A Leading Priority In His 2022 Campaign For Senate. According to Captain Sam Brown for Senate, “Every life is precious, and it is in our American interest that we protect the lives of unborn babies just as we would protect the life of any other American. As a Senator, I will oppose any federal funding of abortion and only support U.S. Supreme Court Justices who understand the importance of protecting Life.” [Captain Sam Brown for Senate, accessed 6/8/23]

Sam Brown Campaigned On Implementing “Pro Life Values” If Elected To U.S. Senate. Sam Brown posted, “I put duty to country first. We need: - border security - election integrity - 2A rights - conservative judges - pro-life values - job creation - tax reduction & more $25, $50, $100 or more - every donation helps in this fight for our nation” [Facebook, Sam Brown, accessed 7/14/22]

Sam Brown Did Not Directly Answer When Asked If He Would Support Federal Restrictions On Abortion. According to Las Vegas Review-Journal, “Both said they would not support amnesty for undocumented immigrants in any circumstances, believe the filibuster should remain in the U.S. Senate, and both described themselves as ‘pro-life,’ when it comes to abortions. But both candidates also did their fair share of side-stepping. Brown did not directly answer when asked if he would support federal restrictions on abortion, calling it a ‘hypothetical question.’ Laxalt was not asked the same question, but said that he believes that abortion laws are ‘better left to the states.’” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/9/22]

Sam Brown Refused To Clarify His Stance On Pro-Choice Legislation. According to Reno Gazette Journal, “If Democratic U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto were stuck in an elevator with challenger Adam Laxalt, she’d use the time to talk about the reproductive rights of women. ‘Women’s reproductive freedoms are so important,' she said when asked what, in the unlikely scenario, she’d tell Laxalt. Cortez Masto spoke to the RGJ Monday after she filed to run to retain her seat and told the crowd that the race against Laxalt will be tough. Laxalt, who will face Sam Brown in the Republican primary for Senate, didn’t respond to the same question sent to his campaign.” [Reno Gazette Journal, 3/18/22]

2014 Campaign For Texas State House

Sam Brown Campaigned On “Protecting Life” During His Campaign For The Texas House. According to Brown for Texas, “‘Everyone should have an opportunity at life. Reaching that point just before death in 2008 demonstrated to me the importance and impact every moment of life can have on us. Abortion is not an issue of choice. It is an issue of life and I am proudly pro-life. We need to do everything possible to support and encourage young mothers who are considering abortion to pursue adoption or to recognize the value of life and raise the child they have been blessed with.’” [Brown for Texas, accessed 6/8/23]

Sam Brown Supported Texas’s 20-Week Ban On Abortion

2014: Sam Brown Said He Would Have Supported Texas’s 20-Week Ban On Abortions Which Did Not Provide Exception For Cases Of Rape Or Incest. According to Nevada Independent, “During the 2014 forum, Brown said he ‘would have supported the legislation that passed this last special session,’ referring to the 2013 law that banned abortions in Texas past 20 weeks of pregnancy. […] The Texas law at the time included exceptions after 20 weeks for cases posing a risk to the life of the patient or if the fetus has a severe medical problem, but not for cases of rape or incest. The state has since adopted a law banning abortions if a ‘fetal heartbeat’ is detected, or roughly after six weeks into pregnancy.” [Nevada Independent, 9/13/23]

Nevada Independent: Opponents Of The 20 Week Abortion Ban Argued The Law Would Result In The Closure Of Many Abortion Clinics Throughout The State. According to Nevada Independent, “Opponents of the 2013 law argued it would lead to many of the state’s abortion clinics shutting down because they would be required to meet the same standards that hospital-style surgical centers do, and because the law mandated that a doctor who performs abortions have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned those parts of the law in 2016.” [Nevada Independent, 9/13/23]

While Running For Texas State House In 2014, Sam Brown Committed To Doing “Everything” He Could To “Empower” The State To Implement Strict Abortion Restrictions. According to Nevada Independent, “But nearly a decade ago, Brown said he supported another state’s 20-week ban on abortion. ‘On issues of life, that is a nonnegotiable for me, we’ve got to do everything we can to empower our state, make sure that it stays on the books,’ Brown said during a legislative candidate forum in 2014 when asked how much Texas should spend, if necessary, to defend the state’s 2013 abortion law, which banned abortion after 20 weeks post-fertilization.” [Nevada Independent, 9/13/23]

Sam Brown Embraced An Anti Choice Messaging During His 2014 Campaign, He Bemoaned Abortion Protections For The Citizens Of Texas. According to Nevada Independent, “At the time of Brown’s 2014 run, he expressed support for more stringent, though unspecified, restrictions on abortion. ‘I think that it’s a shame that here in Texas, which is being lauded as such a conservative state with regard to the issue of life, half of Europe has stricter laws than we do here,’ he said during the forum, which was hosted by a group called Far North Dallas Tea Party Patriots. ‘I think we can’t just let the issue lie where we’re at. We need people to continue to go back to Austin who understand the sanctity of life.’” [Nevada Independent, 9/13/23]

During His 2024 Campaign, Sam Brown Had Refused To Comment On His Position On A 20 Week Abortion Ban. According to Nevada Independent, “Asked for comment about his past support for the 20-week abortion ban, Brown avoided the question and reiterated his current position on abortion. ‘My personal view was shaped in large part by my experience in Afghanistan where I nearly lost my own life but was then blessed with a second chance at living. I’m pro life, with exceptions for the tragic cases of rape, incest and situations where the mother’s life is at risk,’ Brown said in a statement.” [Nevada Independent, 9/13/23]