NV-4: Major About Face Brewing

Rumors are rampant that freshman Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D-Las Vegas), who announced he would not seek a second term because of sexual harassment allegations, is seriously contemplating changing his mind.  With the Nevada candidate filing deadline fast approaching on March 16th, we will soon know if such conjecture has any basis.
 
Rep. Kihuen is not confirming nor denying that he may yet enter the race.  Even if he does, however, neither his re-nomination nor re-election would be a given.  Already, former US Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Las Vegas) has announced his candidacy, meaning a major Democratic primary would ensue if the tainted freshman decides to reverse course.  Also in the race are Democratic state Senator Pat Spearman (D-Las Vegas) and two minor candidates.
 
In the general election, former US Rep. Cresent Hardy (R-Mesquite) has also decided to run again, ostensibly setting up a re-match of the 2014 Hardy-Horsford campaign that the Republican won.  The 4th District was created in 2012 as a result of reapportionment awarding Nevada a new district, but the CD has yet to re-elect an incumbent.  The electorate here will again see major political action regardless of Mr. Kihuen’s political status.

--Jim Ellis