Nevada’s 4th Congressional District race just got a major boost for one Republican challenger.
Former Lincoln County Sheriff Kerry Lee has officially endorsed Cody K. Whipple, a fourth-generation Nevadan rancher and small business owner, in his bid to unseat Democrat Congressman Steven Horsford.
For Whipple, this isn’t just about winning an election. It’s about putting Nevada values first and making public safety a top priority.
And coming from a man who spent years wearing the badge, Sheriff Lee’s support carries weight.
A Candidate Who Knows Nevada
Cody Whipple grew up on his family’s cattle ranch in Hiko, a tiny rural town where folks depend on each other to get through hard times.
Ranch life isn’t easy. You fix your own fences, dig your own wells, and figure out solutions when supplies are hours away.
That upbringing shaped his belief in self-reliance, perseverance, and community – qualities he says are missing in Washington, D.C.
“We need someone who represents the heart of Nevada,” Whipple said. “Sheriff Lee’s endorsement reminds us that real leadership isn’t about politics – it’s about character, action, and putting the people and safety of our state first.”
Building Tools That Save Lives
Whipple isn’t just a rancher.
He’s also the founder of a communications business that connects first responders, schools, and local agencies across Nevada and the Desert Southwest.
In rural counties where cell service can be spotty, having a reliable two-way communications network can mean the difference between life and death.
Former Sheriff Lee said that work speaks for itself.
By making sure law enforcement and emergency crews can talk to each other when every second counts, Whipple has already done more to improve public safety than many career politicians.
Why This Endorsement Matters
Endorsements from law enforcement aren’t handed out lightly.
They usually go to candidates who have a track record of supporting police, firefighters, and emergency workers – not just during campaign season, but over the long haul.
Sheriff Lee spent years dealing with the challenges of policing a county bigger than the state of Connecticut but with fewer than 5,000 residents.
He understands how thin resources are stretched in rural Nevada and how important it is to have leaders in Washington who don’t forget about the small towns.
By backing Whipple, Lee is sending a message: Horsford’s time in Congress hasn’t done enough for Nevada’s safety or its rural communities.
The Bigger Picture
Nevada’s 4th District is one of the most geographically diverse in the country, stretching from the urban neighborhoods of North Las Vegas to ranching and mining towns spread across central Nevada.
That means the issues voters care about can look very different depending on where you live.
In rural areas, water rights, land use, and support for law enforcement often top the list.
In urban centers, crime rates, job growth, and education dominate the conversation.
Whipple’s campaign is leaning into both sides of the district, with public safety as the common thread.
What Critics Say
Horsford’s supporters point to his seniority and influence in Congress, saying he can bring federal resources back to Nevada.
Democrats argue that Whipple’s focus on law enforcement and rural priorities might not match the needs of the district’s urban majority.
But Whipple’s backers believe that safety isn’t a rural or urban issue – it’s an everybody issue.
And they say his hands-on experience solving real-world problems gives him an edge over politicians who have spent most of their careers in office.
Looking Ahead
The race for Nevada’s 4th is expected to be competitive.
With Sheriff Lee’s endorsement, Whipple gains not only a trusted ally but also credibility with voters who see law enforcement as a cornerstone of community stability.
If Whipple can connect his rural roots and business know-how to the concerns of suburban and urban voters, he may have a real shot at flipping the seat.
More information on his campaign is available at codyk4congress.com.
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.
