Governor Joe Lombardo threw his political weight behind Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama on Friday, endorsing her bid for Clark County Commission District F in what could be a game-changing move for the 2026 race.
The Republican governor’s endorsement gives Kasama a major boost as she seeks to flip a seat that’s been held by Democrat Justin Jones, who announced he won’t seek re-election after two controversial terms that included an $80 million lawsuit settlement over deleted text messages.
A Powerful Alliance
“Heidi Kasama led the fight for ethics reform in the state legislature and is a champion of greater transparency in government—exactly the kind of leader we need on the Clark County Commission,” Lombardo said in his endorsement statement.
“She has been a small business owner and an effective legislator, and she is a vocal advocate for accountability and parental choice in education.”
The governor added that he’s:
“proud to endorse Heidi Kasama for County Commission and eager to continue working with her.”
This isn’t the first time Lombardo has backed Kasama. He previously endorsed her 2023 congressional run before she dropped out to help protect his veto power in the legislature. Now, with his endorsement for county commission, he’s signaling that local races matter just as much as state and federal ones.
Why This Endorsement Matters
Lombardo’s backing carries real weight in Nevada politics. He’s one of the few Republicans who’s managed to win statewide office in recent years, beating an incumbent Democrat governor in 2022 by building a coalition of conservatives, independents, and even some moderate Democrats.
His endorsement signals to donors and party activists that Kasama is the Republican establishment’s chosen candidate. That could help clear the primary field and bring in the resources needed to compete in what’s sure to be an expensive general election.
For conservatives, having the governor’s support means Kasama would have a direct line to state leadership. That’s crucial when dealing with issues that cross county and state lines, like economic development, law enforcement cooperation, and regulatory matters.
The Conservative Case
Kasama’s campaign focuses on three key areas that resonate with limited-government conservatives: fiscal responsibility, government transparency, and support for law enforcement.
As a retired certified public accountant, she knows how to read budgets and spot waste. During her time in the Assembly, she’s consistently voted against tax increases and pushed for more accountability in government spending.
Kasama said when announcing her campaign:
“As a former accountant, I see the reckless spending and lack of accountability that burdens taxpayers,”
With inflation still crushing family budgets, her message about fiscal discipline could strike a chord with voters.
The Opposition Responds
Democrats and Kasama’s primary opponents are already pushing back. Critics point to her vote for Hollywood tax credits during last year’s special session – subsidies that ultimately failed after massive public outcry. They say she’s too close to the political establishment to bring real change.
Her Republican primary opponents, including businessman Albert Mack and former Gaming Control Board Chairwoman Becky Harris (now running as a nonpartisan), will likely argue they’re more independent and not beholden to party bosses.
Democrats haven’t settled on a candidate yet.
Looking Forward
The primary election is set for June 9, with early voting from May 23 through June 5. If Kasama makes it through the primary with Lombardo’s help, the general election on November 3 will test whether his endorsement can carry weight in a local race.
District F covers Mountain’s Edge, Southern Highlands, and neighborhoods along the 215 Beltway – areas full of families concerned about rising property taxes, crime, and development pressures. These kitchen-table issues could determine whether voters stick with Democrat control or try something new.
What Conservatives Should Watch
This race is about more than just one commission seat. It’s a test of whether Republicans can build on Trump’s 2024 Nevada victory and Lombardo’s 2022 win to start flipping local offices that directly impact daily life.
If Kasama wins, conservatives would have another voice on a commission that controls a $9 billion budget, makes zoning decisions that affect property rights, and oversees law enforcement funding for the Las Vegas Metro area.
For those who believe government closest to the people governs best, county commission races like this one deserve just as much attention as congressional contests. Your property taxes, your neighborhood’s safety, and your community’s future are decided by these local officials.
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.
