Drew Johnson announced Thursday he’s running for Nevada state treasurer in 2026. The conservative policy analyst and former congressional candidate joins what could become a crowded field for the open seat.
Johnson brings a background in government watchdog work and fiscal policy research to his campaign.
Today, I am announcing my candidacy for Nevada State Treasurer. I’ve spent my career promoting fiscal responsibility and protecting taxpayer dollars. As Treasurer, I’ll fight for accountability, transparency, affordability, and economic growth in Nevada. https://t.co/KE9SHMJMPS
— Drew Johnson (@DrewForNevada) May 22, 2025
What’s Actually at Stake
Nevada’s next treasurer will inherit some real challenges. The state’s economy still depends heavily on tourism and gambling, which creates unpredictable tax revenue. Public employee pension costs keep growing. And interest rates have made traditional investments less attractive.
The treasurer also sits on boards that make major financial decisions. They help decide how to invest billions in pension funds and where to park state cash between budget cycles.
“As Nevada State Treasurer, I will vigilantly safeguard taxpayer funds, ensure complete transparency in our financial operations, and advocate tirelessly for economic growth,” Johnson said in his announcement.
Johnson’s Background and Experience
Johnson moved to Nevada about ten years ago after founding the Beacon Center, a Tennessee-based policy think tank. He’s worked as a researcher and analyst on government transparency, taxes, and budget issues for several organizations including the Taxpayers Protection Alliance.
His recent political experience includes mixed results. In 2024, he lost to Democratic Rep. Susie Lee in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District by about 10,000 votes. Two years earlier, he came within 300 votes of defeating Democratic Commissioner Justin Jones in Clark County.
“Our near-victory in one of the nation’s toughest congressional districts demonstrated a powerful demand for accountability, transparency and integrity — principles I will steadfastly uphold as State Treasurer,” Johnson stated.
Johnson’s Watchdog Credentials
Johnson has built his career on finding government waste. As a taxpayer advocate and budget watchdog, Drew has exposed hundreds of billions of dollars in waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayers’ money at all levels of government that has led directly to reduced spending and lower taxes.
That’s not small potatoes. When someone saves taxpayers hundreds of billions, they understand how money gets wasted and how to stop it. Johnson’s work has resulted in actual spending cuts, not just reports that gather dust on shelves.
His writing reaches beyond policy wonks too. Drew’s editorials, columns and articles have been featured in scores of newspapers, magazines, and scholarly journals around the world, including The Wall Street Journal, National Review, and Forbes.
Johnson also knows how to explain complex financial issues to regular people. He regularly provides policy insight on national and international television and radio programs and has appeared on Fox News, the BBC, NPR, CNN, Showtime, and Fox Business, as well as The Glenn Beck Program, Hannity with Sean Hannity, and All Things Considered, among dozens of others.
The Political Landscape
Nevada has been a challenging state for Republican candidates in recent cycles. Democrats have won most statewide races, though margins have often been narrow. The treasurer’s race could be different since it typically draws less attention and money than higher-profile contests.
Current Treasurer Zach Conine, a Democrat, is term-limited and announced his own bid for attorney general. This creates an open seat opportunity that could attract candidates from both parties.
State treasurer races often turn on name recognition and basic competence rather than hot-button political issues. Voters want someone they trust to handle their money responsibly.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The treasurer’s race will unfold alongside higher-profile contests including potential U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races. How much attention and resources flow to down-ballot races often depends on what else is on the ballot.
Johnson’s announcement starts what could be a long campaign season. Voters will have plenty of time to evaluate his qualifications against other candidates who enter the race.
For conservatives interested in government accountability, this race offers a chance to influence how Nevada manages taxpayer money. For Democrats, holding the treasurer’s office helps maintain their statewide presence.
The outcome may depend less on big campaign promises and more on which candidate voters trust most with their tax dollars.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
