Tom R. Smedes / AP
Nevada Republican Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama laughs with lawmakers in Carson City on Feb. 6, 2023.
Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 | 5:36 p.m.
Republican assemblywoman Heidi Kasama announced Thursday she is suspending her campaign for U.S. House immediately and will instead launch a reelection bid for another term in the Nevada Legislature.
Kasama, whose district represents Summerlin and other parts of the west valley, said in Facebook post she was “eager to become part of the solution” in Washington, but felt ultimately her service could be best utilized back in the Assembly, where Democrats currently hold a 28-14 supermajority and a 13-8 advantage in the state Senate.
“I could not imagine myself in Washington, D.C., trying to fix Congress if Gov.Lombardo faced veto-proof majorities in both chambers at home in Nevada,” Kasama said. “Any such victory would be a hollow one. So, after much thought, discussion with my family, and a candid conversation with Gov. Lombardo, it became crystal clear to me over the holidays that I can best serve my state, this Governor, and my constituents by returning to the State Capitol, rather than serving in our nation’s capital.
“Therefore, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Congress and instead file for reelection to State Assembly District 2 to represent the good people of my district and continue to assist Governor Lombardo in his ongoing efforts to create a “New Nevada” that works for everyone,” Kasama continued.
Kasama, 65, is a realtor by trade and was first elected to the assembly in 2020. She was endorsed by Lombardo, a Republican, months after initially announcing her candidacy in August. With Kasama dropping out, that leaves three Republicans — conservative commentator Drew Johnson, former state Sen. Elizabeth Helgelien and Steve London — in the GOP primary for the U.S. House seat currently held by Democrat Susie Lee.
"When I entered this race, I knew it was one of the most competitive congressional seats in the country and that I would likely have to win two highly competitive races this year – both a primary election in June and a general election in November,” Johnson posted on X, formerly Twitter. “I still believe that to be the case. Today’s news further indicates that our campaign is on the right track.
Nevada Democratic Party chairwoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno said in a statement that Kasama’s dropping out shows the strength of Lee — who bested her Republican challenger in 2022 by about 10,000 votes, or 3.97 percentage points.
“Today’s unsurprising news makes it clear how worried extreme Republicans are about the strength of Susie Lee’s campaign,” Monroe-Moreno said. Growing up in a working family of ten, it's no wonder Susie Lee will work tirelessly with anyone to get things done and solve problems for southern Nevada’s working families. That’s exactly what southern Nevada needs, and as we saw today, extreme Republicans are starting to realize it.”
