Another Liberal Democrat Eyes the State’s Top Legal Office
Nevada’s political chess board just shifted. State Treasurer Zach Conine announced he’s running for Attorney General in 2026. This comes as current AG Aaron Ford confirms he’s running for governor,.
Who Is Zach Conine and What’s His Record?
Zach Conine has been Nevada’s State Treasurer since 2019. He was born in New York and moved to Nevada after graduating from Cornell University in 2003. He worked in the hospitality industry before getting his law degree from UNLV in 2013.
As treasurer, Conine has pushed a progressive agenda that goes well beyond traditional financial duties. His track record includes several red flags for conservatives who believe in limited government and traditional values.
Conine’s Anti-Gun Stance Revealed
One of the most concerning aspects of Conine’s record is his stance on Second Amendment rights. In June 2022, Conine announced he would divest Nevada’s investment portfolio from companies that manufacture or sell “assault-style weapons.” He pulled $89 million in state investments from these companies.
“As Nevada’s chief investment officer, I have a responsibility to ensure Nevada’s tax dollars are invested with minimal exposure to risk,” Conine said. But conservatives see this as using state funds to push a political agenda against gun manufacturers.
Expanding Government Role Through “Innovation”
Conine has worked to expand the treasurer’s office beyond its traditional duties. He created new programs and pushed for more government involvement in various sectors. While he calls this “innovation,” conservatives might see it as growing the size and scope of government.
During his tenure, Conine has consistently advocated for more government spending on programs like college savings initiatives and rental assistance during COVID-19. He’s proud of administering billions in federal COVID relief money, which many conservatives believe contributed to inflation.
Liberal Endorsements Tell the Story
Conine’s political leanings become clear when you look at who supports him. The Human Rights Campaign PAC endorsed Conine for re-election as treasurer, praising him for “consistently advocated for pro-equality and anti-discrimination legislation.”
He’s also affiliated with the Democratic State Treasurers organization, which bills itself as “standing up for your family’s future.” This suggests Conine would bring partisan politics to what should be a non-partisan law enforcement role.
What Conine Says About Being Attorney General
Conine said that would “hold the federal government accountable for its actions and ensure that Nevadans’ rights are protected” as Attorney General. But given his track record, conservatives should ask: whose rights is he really protecting?
“We need somebody in that office who has already had their sleeves rolled up, who can, on day one, keep protecting Nevadans,” Conine said. His emphasis on being ready to fight the Trump administration from day one shows where his priorities lie.
Critics Point to Potential Issues
Conine’s tenure as treasurer hasn’t been without controversy. Republican challenger Michele Fiore pointed out that “You should be able to go on the website and see all the investments, and you cannot,” questioning transparency in his office.
There’s also a pending lawsuit against Conine’s office involving allegations of ageism, though he declined to comment citing litigation privacy.
What This Means for Conservatives
If Conine becomes Attorney General, Nevada could see more activist legal policies like those under Aaron Ford. His record suggests he would use the office to push progressive causes rather than simply enforce the law.
Conservatives should be concerned about having an Attorney General who sees businesses as political targets, expands government beyond its proper role, and receives endorsements from far-left groups.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Conine is “the first major candidate to enter the open race” for Attorney General. Republicans need to find a strong candidate who will restore law and order to Nevada’s top legal office.
The question for conservative voters is simple: Do we want an Attorney General focused on enforcing the law fairly, or one who uses the office to advance a progressive political agenda?
Republican leaders must act now to recruit candidates who will defend conservative values and the rule of law. Nevada’s future depends on having leaders who respect both the Constitution and the will of the voters.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
