Republican voters in Assembly District 22 aren’t worried about whether the seat will stay red.
They’re worried about rising crime, a struggling economy, and schools that keep failing children and their parents.
That frustration is what motivated conservative pastor and grassroots organizer Howell Shaw into the race.
Shaw has announced a Republican primary challenge in District 22, saying residents deserve more than a “Republican in Name Only.” (RINO)
They deserve, he said, a representative who will listen to their constituents, fight for public safety, parental rights, lower taxes, and real accountability in Carson City – and keep fighting once elected.
A Safe Republican Seat Means Real Choices
Assembly District 22 is widely considered a solid Republican seat, one that does not require a moderate Republican to hold it in the general election.
Shaw says that reality gives voters leverage.
“This seat isn’t in danger of flipping blue,” Shaw said. “So Republicans have the opportunity to send a strong, outspoken conservative to support Governor Lombardo instead of a RINO that votes with the woke agenda of the opposing party.”
Electability, he argues, shouldn’t be used as cover for a lack of principled conservatism.
“A real conservative can win here and keep this seat Republican,” Shaw said. “That’s exactly what I intend to do.”
‘Tired of RINOs’
Shaw says his decision ultimately came down to trust.
“I’m tired of RINOs campaigning as conservatives and then voting like Democrats once they get to Carson City,” he said. “Voters are fed up with being sold one thing and getting another.”
He points directly to incumbent Melissa Hardy’s voting record and low ratings from conservative organizations, including Americans for Prosperity, Nevada Policy, and Citizen Outreach.
“This isn’t personal, as I believe Ms. Hardy is a kind and compassionate person,” Shaw said. “It’s about accountability. When conservative watchdogs consistently give her failing grades, that tells voters your priorities aren’t lining up with theirs.”
Crime, Cost of Living, and Schools
Shaw says those votes have real consequences.
“Families are worried about crime and noticing that their neighborhoods are getting more dangerous,” he said. “They’re worried about grocery bills, gas prices, and whether Nevada is still affordable.”
Education is another flashpoint.
“Parents feel shut out,” Shaw said. “They want school choice, transparency, and lawmakers who will stand with families, not progressive agendas. They want their children educated so they can be productive citizens, not indoctrinated to become leftist activists.”
Missing in Action?
Shaw also says visibility matters.
“I’m in the community constantly – churches, Republican meetings, rallies, civic events, and celebrations,” he said. “And I began to realize that Assemblywoman Hardy was MIA.”
Representation, he argues, doesn’t end when the session does.
“This job is about showing up, listening, and answering to the people who elected you,” Shaw said.
Clear Priorities
Shaw has been blunt about what he sees as misplaced focus in Carson City.
“Too often, more passion goes into animal rights than human rights,” he said. “I’m focused on protecting life, families, religious liberty, free speech, and parents’ rights. Those shouldn’t be negotiable.”
His campaign, he says, will unapologetically emphasize constitutional and fiscal conservatism, public safety, our God-given First and Second Amendment rights, and limited government.
A Grassroots Conservative Background
Shaw is the founding pastor of Dwell AJC (A Jesus Community) and the founder of Henderson Conservatives, a grassroots group that brings together activists, candidates, and community members.
He serves as Co-Chair of the Turning Point Action Faith Coalition and is the Patriot Academy’s Constitution Coach Mentor for Nevada, teaching America’s founding principles.
Before entering ministry and activism full time, Shaw worked more than two decades in Silicon Valley as an award-winning designer and Corporate Identity expert after graduating from Stanford University with a General Engineering degree in Product Design.
He later moved into education, teaching math and science and coaching tennis, moving to Henderson to become the Dean of Elementary at Lake Mead Christian Academy.
Shaw says the primary comes down to one question.
“Do Republican voters want someone who is tossed to and fro by the wind, or someone who stands firm?” he said. “District 22 doesn’t need a moderate, lukewarm Republican. It needs a staunch, faithful conservative who will fight for our community and still win in November.”
As the GOP primary approaches, the race is expected to draw attention from grassroots, America First conservatives who believe safe Republican seats should produce strong conservative leadership – not watered-down, bait-and-switch representation.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
