America at a Crossroads: Why Diplomacy, Not War, Is Nevada’s Future

Dear friends and fellow Nevadans,

As the only independent Democratic candidate for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District, I write to you at a moment of grave national and global consequence. With over two decades of international relations experience formed in the shadow of 9/11, I believe our state and our country stand at a crossroads—one that will define our future for generations to come. Today, with credible reports indicating the United States is likely to attack Iran within the next ten days, the dangers of perpetual war are no longer distant abstractions. They threaten our families, our economy, and the very soul of our democracy.

Our nation’s seventy-year history of failed policy toward Iran is not just a matter for historians—it is a crisis with immediate consequences. I am the only candidate in this race with the lived experience and international expertise to navigate this moment. I have seen, firsthand, how the cycle of intervention and retaliation produces nothing but blowback, extremism, and ever-deepening insecurity, both abroad and at home. It is time to change course.

A Region on the Brink – Why This Moment Matters

The drumbeat of war—whether sounded by the last administration or this one—has only made our world more dangerous. Each escalation strengthens hardliners, encourages new forms of evasion, and fractures the alliances that once made us secure. This path does not lead to safety; it leads to endless conflict. The only real security comes from the hard work of diplomacy and the courage to pursue peace, even when it is unpopular.

Why Escalation Fails—And Diplomacy Works

There’s a difference between a politician and a statesman: one chases the next election, the other considers the next generation. I know this difference intimately. I was trained to be a diplomat—a bridge-builder, someone who speaks uncomfortable truths to forge lasting solutions. In this race, I am the only candidate with real international experience, and the only one who understands the costs—both human and economic—of endless war.

Our nation is in a precarious place. Decades of short-term thinking—prioritizing oil over democracy, military action over diplomacy—have not only destabilized the Middle East, but have also dismantled American leadership and prosperity at home. The consequences aren’t just measured in distant headlines but in real impacts on our lives here in Nevada: higher gas prices, disrupted supply chains, and an economy at the mercy of global instability.

I learned the difference between politics and statecraft the hard way. Coming of age after 9/11, I dedicated my life to understanding and practicing diplomacy, studying international relations, and immersing myself in the realities of global conflict. I have seen what happens when America leads with vision and integrity—and what happens when we abandon those principles.

A diplomat sees what politicians avoid: you cannot have credibility abroad without integrity at home. The disconnect between our rhetoric and our reality is our greatest vulnerability. As wars rage on, we see the costs not just in distant lands but in growing inequality, failing infrastructure, and families struggling here in Nevada.

We need economic reforms that meet the realities of the 21st century. Education and healthcare must be accessible for all, not just the wealthy. Clean energy jobs must be built here in Nevada, so our families aren’t left behind as the world moves forward. We must address the root causes of instability—at home and abroad—by investing in people, not in endless wars.

Most importantly, we need leaders trained in statecraft—people who understand that America’s strength is not in domination, but inspiration. As someone who watched the towers fall and dedicated my life to preventing the next catastrophe, I know firsthand that hope and security come from building bridges, not burning them. I have rebuilt my life from hardship and I am ready to help rebuild our future—starting right here in Nevada.

We cannot afford another forever war. The cost will not just be felt in Washington or Tehran, but in every Nevada household struggling to make ends meet. Each new conflict drives up fuel and grocery costs, diverts resources from education and healthcare, and puts our sons and daughters at risk. This future is not inevitable. But we must act now.

We can rebuild. But only if we are willing to hear the truth and choose leaders who put diplomacy and the people of Nevada first. I am ready to do that work—and I invite you to join me in demanding a future that is peaceful, prosperous, and just.

—Gamaliel “Gamy” Zavala Enriquez Independent Democrat for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District

P.S. The primary election is June 9, 2026. Early voting begins May 23. Let’s choose a future worth fighting for—one built on peace, truth, and opportunity for all.