The Nevada Assembly Republican Caucus made its opening move in the 2026 election cycle this week, announcing endorsements for twelve incumbent members and four new challengers. It is the kind of organized, early action that can make the difference between holding the line in Carson City and watching Democrats tighten their grip on state government.
Why This Matters to Nevada Conservatives
The Nevada State Assembly has 42 seats. Republicans have been fighting to gain ground in a chamber where Democrats have held the majority. Every seat matters. Every endorsement signals where resources, volunteers, and energy will flow in the months ahead.
Think of it like this. If you want your neighborhood to stay safe and your taxes to stay reasonable, you need people in Carson City who actually believe that. The Assembly is where a lot of that happens. Bills that raise your costs, expand government programs, or restrict your rights start and die right there in that chamber.
The Incumbents Getting the Nod
The caucus is backing twelve members already serving in the Assembly. They are Brian Hibbetts, Blayne Osborn, Melissa Hardy, Gregory Hafen, Jason Patchett, Alexis Hansen, Gregory Koenig, Rich DeLong, Jill Dickman, Bert Gurr, Lisa Cole, and Rebecca Edgeworth.
Caucus Leader Gregory Hafen summed it up plainly.
“The Assembly Republican Caucus is championing issues that will bring greater prosperity, safety, and common-sense policies to our state, and we are excited that so many members of our current team will be returning to Carson City,” he said.
Experienced legislators matter. It takes time to learn how Carson City works. Returning members hit the ground running on day one.
Four Challengers Enter the Picture
The bigger news for conservatives might be the endorsements of challengers. The caucus is going outside its current membership for the first time this cycle, backing four candidates in contested races:
- Drew Teitelbaum is the pick in Assembly District 2.
- Nan Roecker gets the nod in AD 12.
- Denise Daniels Fanning is backed in AD 23.
- Jill Douglass rounds out the group in AD 37.
The caucus did not mince words about why:
“All four are strong candidates and exceptional people, with the discipline, commitment, and experience to represent their districts and support our agenda. We are excited to endorse them.”
These are not token endorsements. When the caucus puts its name behind a challenger, it typically brings campaign infrastructure, donor connections, and party coordination with it. That early support can be the difference between a credible campaign and one that never gets off the ground.
What Comes Next
The caucus made clear this is only the first round. More challenger endorsements are coming. That means more races will be competitive, and more resources will flow into districts that might otherwise be written off.
The caucus has a stated goal of making Nevada the best place in the country to raise a family by improving the quality of life and lowering costs. That does not happen by accident. It happens when the right people are sitting in those Assembly seats come January.
The filing period has closed. The field is set. Now the real work begins.
Read press release here: March 2026 Endorsements
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