2022 Primary Election Recommendations
Hi all,
I try to get recommendations out much earlier than this but life is busy! Today is the LAST DAY to early vote in the 2022 Primary Election. Please go vote in person or return your ballot as soon as possible. You can vote on June 14 but lines are usually longer. A red wave only happens if Republicans ACTUALLY vote!
If you need more information on any of these candidates, most of their information and some recommendations by GOP orgs from around the state are available at a site I’ve been maintaining called NVGOPTicket.com. Unlike some of the orgs, I’ve chosen a 1st pick and an alternate pick for some races instead of recommending multiple. Nothing on this post is representative of the views of my current or past employers.
If you’re frustrated with the mishandling of the late pandemic, the economy, gas prices, home prices, inflation, and more, we MUST choose the best candidates that will reverse the damage done by our current leadership in November. Please contact me if you have any questions about my choices or these candidates.
Enjoy,
Ken
US Senate
1st Pick: Adam Laxalt
Alternate: Sam Brown
Laxalt and I disagree severely on certain issues including the 2020 election and immigration reform. That said, he’s our strongest chance at beating Catherine Cortez Masto in November. Captain Sam Brown is an honorable man and has run a great dark horse campaign but his inability to convince leadership in DC that he is the guy makes me think he may not be our strongest choice to win.
Congressional District 1
1st Pick: Carolina Serrano
Alternate: Mark Robertson
Carolina is endorsed by Adam Laxalt and aligns with him on most issues. She’s more conservative than I am on a lot of issues but seems to be the strongest contender to go up against Dina Titus. Mark Robertson is a great person with a solid resume that might be worth considering. David Brog has a good resume but has shown no indication that his campaign has any grassroots backing.
Congressional District 2
Mark Amodei
This is an easy one. Danny Tarkanian is a polarizing figure and whether you love him or hate him, Mark is a great Congressman and deserves re-election. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Danny as a County Commissioner and think he should focus on that.
Congressional District 3
April Becker
Another absolute no-brainer. This seat is crucial to taking the gavel away from Nancy Pelosi and April has run a stellar campaign. Malgeri, Kovacs, and Bossert should have dropped out eons ago and run for lower office. April has worked hard and deserves all of our support.
Congressional District 4
Annie Black
Annie’s legislative style in Carson City was not how I would have done it but she has shown she is interested in shaking things up. Horsford has shown his disregard for his family and his constituents by living a playboy lifestyle instead of working for us. I believe Annie is the best choice to fight in what will be an incredibly uphill battle against Horsford. I like Sam Peters a lot but he is part of the near epidemic of people who should have run and won for lower office first.
Governor
Joe Lombardo
I feel passionately about this race. John Lee and Guy Nohra are great men who I hope will stay involved after this race is over. I get the appeal of Joey Gilbert after the pandemic but he is not a serious contender to be Governor. Besides being a rioter on January 6 and some of his stances on the issues, his campaign is bankrupt. With Sisolak’s millions in the bank, the strongest candidate is Sheriff Joe Lombardo, hands down. Lombardo has run a serious, if a little gruff, campaign and taken sane positions on a ton of issues. He worries the Democrats so much that they are putting hundreds of thousands of dollars of dark money behind a scam PAC to try to tank him. Don’t be fooled. He will be 1000x better than Sisolak and is an easy choice.
Lt Governor
Tony Grady
John Miller seems like a good person but, like David Brog, has a great resume and a ton of money but no real grassroots backing to prove people would be motivated by his candidacy. On the other hand, Tony Grady, a solid conservative with a great resume, has spent a ton of time around the state and from what I’ve heard from multiple people is genuine and ready to serve. Learn more about him on his website.
Secretary of State
Gerard Ramalho, Richard Scotti, Jesse Haw, Kristopher Dahir (Anyone except Jim Marchant)
I’m begging you. Do not elevate Jim Marchant to this office. He is not qualified and would hurt our ticket significantly. Any of the other Republicans in the race will fight for Voter ID and stronger election protections (which I support) just as much as he would claim to. Gerard Ramalho is a great option, Richard Scotti is a former judge and has a good grassroots backing, Jesse Haw lacks a grassroots backing but will have the funds to run a tough race, and Kris Dahir is another good person. Do your research and choose wisely but promise me one thing: Do not vote for Jim Marchant.
Attorney General
1st Pick: Sigal Chattah
Alternate: Tisha Black
Similar to Laxalt and Serrano, Sigal and I would probably disagree with more than we agree with when it comes to the finer points of Republican politics. I know she has said some hard-to-defend things and is about as right-leaning as you can get, but if you’re voting because of unhappiness with how the pandemic was handled, Sigal was on the frontlines of that fight. She is someone who I think won’t bend to pressure either. All that said, if you are taking the allegations against her at face value and are looking for a friendlier type of Republican for your slate, Tisha Black is fine. She is close to the marijuana industry (which is good for Republicans in my estimation) and has run for office before. While I think her ads and message are a little safe and too tested, you can make that call.
Treasurer
Manny Kess
I like Michele Fiore as a person. She has done a great job as a member of the Las Vegas City Council. She would have been a hands down pick for Mayor. That said, her short run for Governor was very transparent to many of us as a play to raise money for a lower race. It was disingenuous and treasurer is not a good place for her, nor do I think it is something she wants to do. Manny has not run a serious, solid campaign and should have run for lower office but might be the right pick for us to beat the Democrat in November.
Controller
Andy Matthews
Andy Matthews is a solid conservative, Assemblyman, and excellent pick. I sincerely hope he wins and think he would do great in this office. Full-throated support.
State Senate
District 8
1st Pick: Joey Paulos
Alternate: Jennifer Fawzy
This was a tough one. I am the biggest fan of Jennifer Fawzy and think she Is an incredible woman and candidate. She has worked hard and could win in November. That said, Joey Paulos has raised the cash and run the well-oiled campaign that we need for this race. I would like to see either of these people in this office but think Joey has the means to give the Democrat a strong fight in 2022.
District 9
Tina Brown
Tina Brown has been an activist for years and is a great person. She will be able to put in the work to fight for this hotly contested seat. She is polished and someone we can trust.
District 12
April Arndt
The two women in this race have worked hard in this race and seem intelligent and conservative. That said, I think April Arndt will be able to put up the best fight heading into November in this crucial seat.
District 13
Matthew Buehler
This retired Air Force Colonel seems credible and smart.
District 14
Ira Hansen
Ira is as prickly and controversial as they come but represents that district perfectly. This is an easy one.
District 16
Don Tatro
Barring any major betrayal I don’t know about, the incumbent, Don Tatro, is the strongest bet to keep this seat in R hands.
District 17
Robin Titus
This is a tough one. Jim Wheeler is one of the most authentic men in the state and a good friend. That said, Dr. Titus is a great legislator, smart woman, and someone who will be the best representative for Nevadans. Vote for Robin Titus.
District 20
Jeff Stone
Jeff is a former Republican legislator from California who has received multiple bipartisan endorsements.
District 21
April Larsen
I’ve heard nothing but great things about April Larsen. Full-throated support!
State Assembly
District 1
Chris Dyer
Everybody hates Chris. He doesn’t care. As silly, troll-like, and unserious as he comes off on his podcast, he cares deeply about principles and honesty. While no Republican will win this district in November, Chris is who I would vote for in the primary.
District 2
Heidi Kasama
Heidi is nice, serious, hardworking, and as solid of a Republican as you can get. She’s incredible and worthy of leadership.
District 5
Alan Hedrick
Alan is a great person and solid conservative. Kelly Quinn is not ready for primetime and not the person best suited to go up against the Democrat in November.
District 12
Flemming Larsen
Flemming is a strong candidate who, I hope, will do great things in the movement in Nevada. He’s personable and has shown up during the campaign. None of the other candidates are serious. This is an easy one.
District 13
Steven DeLisle
I’ll be honest. I don’t see the appeal of Steven but quite a few organizations I respect have endorsed him and he seems like a safe bet to win.
District 19
Charlie Nicole De La Paz
During a year when parents will be a significant force in our voting bloc, I can’t think of a better person to elevate to this position than a parent advocate. Charlie is a solid conservative who we can trust to make the right decisions in Carson City.
District 21
Jon Petrick
Jon Petrick is the only qualified candidate in this race. Rachel seems like a nice person but is not the best fit to win in November. Ron Q is also not a serious candidate.
District 22
Melissa Hardy
Melissa Hardy is one of the most-liked people in Carson City. Easy choice.
District 23
1st Pick: Danielle Gallant
Alternate: Denise Ashurst
If you’ve ever met Denise Ashurst, you will know what a wonderful person she is. She would be a great representative for our party. That said, Danielle Gallant is serious, polished, and ready to put in the work to win. I think she is our best shot at winning this seat in November.
District 25
Sam Kumar
Sam Kumar is an authentic, hardworking activist who can win.
District 26
1st Pick: Jay Dixon
Alternate: Rich DeLong, Greg Juhl
This is tough because I like different things in each of these candidates. Jay Dixon has solid credentials, Rich DeLong is a solid conservative, and Greg Juhl is very impressive. Any of these candidates would be a great Assemblyman but I think Dixon is a good mix of all of them.
District 29
Rhonda Knightly
I have some serious questions about Rhonda Knightly as a candidate. Her primary opponent shared some VERY questionable past tweets from a Republican candidate (many of which are still up). That said, her opponent has no money and is not the right fit for a Southern Nevada candidate in a swing district.
District 31
Jill Dickman
This is an easy one! Vote for Jill.
District 32
Alexis Hansen
Alexis is an absolute powerhouse of authenticity, work ethic, and moral compass. She is one of a kind and deserves re-election.
District 33
Bert Gurr
Based on recommendations from a friend in Elko and his list of endorsements, Bert Gurr is the right candidate for that seat.
District 34
Stacy Butler
This is another tough race. Shannon Churchwell is a great person that I hope sticks around the movement in future years. Mary Lim is authentic but has raised very little money. Stacy Butler has raised the most money though not enough to beat the Democrat. With very little chances of winning in November, money matters most.
District 35
Tiffany Jones
Tiffany has run for office previously and has a good heart. She’s a mom and businesswoman and will be a great candidate heading into November.
District 36
Greg Hafen
Greg Hafen should be a no-brainer pick for this seat but hurt feelings have drawn him an unserious challenger. He’s a solid R, great person, and good legislator. He easily deserves re-election.
District 37
Jacob Deaville
Jacob is a young conservative with a great story. He has put in time in the movement and has Andy Matthews’ endorsement. Easy choice.
District 38
1st Pick: Greg Koenig
Alternate: Vida Keller
Greg Koenig is our safest bet to win this seat. That said, Vida is a longtime activist who has worked hard as a County Commissioner. If you’re looking for who has the backing of the main organizations, Koenig is your pick here.
District 39
Blayne Osborn
Ken Gray is a great man who I like a lot. Blayne is a close friend. This is a tough pick for me. I like both of them but think Blayne, who has spent years in Carson City, is ready to bring his institutional knowledge to a chamber of the legislature that is notorious for its lack of institutional knowledge. He’s a rock-solid young conservative too.
District 40
PK O’Neill
PK is about as nice of man as you can meet and deserves re-election. He’s apologized for his past vote to raise taxes and is the only serious Republican in the race.
Clark County Sheriff
Tom Roberts
While it seems every Democrat under the sun has endorsed former Republican assemblyman Tom Roberts, he is still a solid choice. I’ve listened to both sides of the Kevin McMahill controversy and it still stinks to me. I am not convinced that McMahill is the best candidate with that serious allegation over his head.
Las Vegas City Council Ward 2
Victoria Seaman
I’ve loved watching Victoria Seaman in this position. It is hard to argue that any candidate or elected official works harder than her. She has always been a straight shooter with me and I respect it immensely. Full support.
Las Vegas City Council Ward 4
Brenda Flank
Brenda is as genuine and conservative as anyone I know. She has an inspiring story, a desire to serve, and could be a force to be reckoned with for our movement. I think Bob Beers is smart as well but not the right choice this year.
Las Vegas City Council Ward 6
Ray Spencer
Ray, a former cop, would be an incredible member of the council. He’s got a great story and is a great person. Easy choice.
Henderson Mayor
Michelle Romero
Michelle Romero is running about as clean and well-oiled of a campaign as you can find. I’ve heard she is a Republican and someone we want in charge. Wishing her luck.
Henderson City Council Ward 3
Trish Nash
Trish Nash knows Henderson, is well-funded, well-liked, and a good friend. Vote for her.
Clark County Commission District F
1st Choice: Jenna Waltho
Alternate: Drew Johnson
Drew Johnson’s opening to his campaign was the absolute wrong note. I won’t go into the drama but otherwise he has stellar cred to be on the County Commission. Jenna, on the other hand, has worked extremely hard to win this seat. It is a long shot with the Democrat they are running against, but I think Jenna is the better choice at this point. Honorable mention for Mike Campion who is very genuine and hopefully has a bright future in our movement.
Clark County Public Administrator
Pat Casale
Pat is as conservative as you can get. He’s smart, outspoken, and would do a great job as an administrator. Easy choice.
Clark County School District Board of Trustees
District D
Steven Conger
Steven Conger is an incredible person who will be an incredible trustee. Please vote for him. Power2Parent also endorsed him. Do NOT vote for Irene Cepeda.
District F
1st Pick: Liam MacCaul
Alternate: Jay Calhoun
All I know is that Power2Parent endorsed (Robert) Liam and that’s enough for me. Jay Calhoun is a good dude, too. Do NOT vote for Danielle Ford or Irene Bustamante Adams.
District G
Greg Weiman
Same as District F. Power2Parent knows what they are doing and I trust their endorsement. Do NOT vote for John Carlo or Linda Cavazos.
Nevada System of Higher Education Regents
District 6
Do NOT vote for Karl Catarata. He is a partisan Democrat.
District 7
Dave Crete
Dave is smart and a great person. He would be an excellent regent.
District 13
Stephanie Goodman
Stephanie is a smart conservative that we need on this board. Highly recommend. Do NOT vote for John Moran.
All Judicial Races
The Nevada Republican Club has given its recommendations for judicial races. I mirror them exactly. View their rack card of endorsements here.