What Happened in Congress
When it came time to honor a young conservative killed for his beliefs, Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford said no. He voted against a simple resolution honoring Charlie Kirk and condemning political violence. Only 58 House members opposed it. Horsford was one of them.
The House passed the resolution on Friday. The vote was 310 to 58. It honored Kirk’s life and legacy. Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on September 10. He was speaking to students when a gunman killed him.
The resolution called Kirk “one of the most prominent voices in America.” It praised his civil discussions on college campuses. The measure asked all Americans to reject political violence. It urged people to have respectful debates instead.
Most Democrats supported the resolution. House Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries voted yes. But 58 Democrats voted against it. Horsford was one of them.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This vote shows a troubling trend. Even when faced with clear political violence, some Democrats won’t unite against it. Kirk was killed for his beliefs. He never promoted violence. He just talked about conservative ideas.
For Nevada conservatives, this hits close to home. Horsford represents Nevada’s 4th District. This includes parts of Las Vegas and rural counties. Many voters there believe in free speech. They think all Americans should condemn political violence.
The vote sends a message. It suggests some Democrats care more about politics than basic decency. Kirk was a young father. He had a wife and children. His only crime was speaking up for America.
Republican Response
The National Republican Congressional Committee spoke out quickly. Spokesman Christian Martinez called Horsford’s vote shocking.
Martinez said:
“Out of touch Democrat Steven Horsford is soaking in his radicalness and bending over backwards to appeal to his radical base that he can’t even get himself to condemn political violence and honor a man whose only crime was loving America, winning the debate in the proper fashion, and inspiring a new generation to do the same.”
The statement highlights a key problem. Some Democrats seem more worried about their far-left base than doing what’s right.
What Kirk Stood For
Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012. He was just 18 years old. The group teaches young people about conservative values. Kirk visited hundreds of college campuses. He debated students with different views.
Kirk believed in the Constitution. He supported free markets. He thought America was a great country. These aren’t radical ideas. They’re basic American values.
He never called for violence. Kirk always said debates should stay peaceful. He wanted to win with better ideas, not force.
What Comes Next
This vote will not be forgotten. Nevada voters care about basic decency. They expect their representatives to stand against violence.
Horsford faces reelection in 2026. This vote gives Republicans a clear talking point. They can ask why he couldn’t condemn political murder.
The broader trend is worrying too. Political violence has increased in recent years. Leaders from both parties should speak out against it. When some refuse, it makes the problem worse.
Looking Forward
Conservatives have several ways to respond. They can contact Horsford’s office directly. His number is available on his House website. Voters should ask why he voted against the resolution.
They can also support groups that promote peaceful debate. Organizations like Turning Point USA continue Kirk’s work. They teach young people to argue with facts, not fists.
Most importantly, conservatives should stay engaged. They should vote in every election. Local races matter too. School boards, city councils, and state legislatures all make important decisions.
The 2026 midterm elections will be crucial. Nevada’s 4th District is competitive. A strong conservative candidate could defeat Horsford. But that requires organization and hard work.
The Bigger Picture
This vote shows the divide in American politics today. Most people still believe in basic decency. They think political violence is wrong. They want leaders who can disagree without being disagreeable.
But a small group of extremists thinks differently. They see politics as war. They can’t even condemn the murder of their opponents.
Charlie Kirk represented the best of American debate. He argued with passion but stayed peaceful. He inspired young people to get involved. His death is a loss for everyone who believes in democracy.
The resolution honoring him should have passed unanimously. The fact that it didn’t shows how far some politicians have fallen.
Nevada voters deserve better. They deserve representatives who put country over party. They deserve leaders who condemn violence from all sides.
Horsford’s vote was a mistake. It showed poor judgment and worse values. Nevadans should remember this when they vote in 2026.
Photo: Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) speaks at the “Welcome Back Congress” rally hosted by the group Families Over Billionaires on March 26, 2025 outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. Credit: G. Edward Johnson
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
