Rather than relaxing at the expansive Sun City retirement community and taking in the serene sunsets over the mesas, John Lee, 69, is fervently campaigning to recapture a key district for the Republican Party.
Once a Democrat, Lee made headlines three years ago by switching parties, becoming the first elected official to leave the Democrats during the Biden administration due to dissatisfaction with their policies.
Lee is now vying to unseat Democratic Representative Steven Horsford, 51, in Nevada’s 4th District, which Lee describes as one of the largest districts in the country. Reflecting on his tenure as the mayor of North Las Vegas, Lee highlights his efforts to enhance the city’s amenities, including attracting 31 new restaurants and establishing 31 charter schools during his administration.
Former Democrat turned Republican John Lee aims to oust Steven Horsford in Nevada’s 4th District showdown
Urged to run for Congress by influential Nevada Republicans, including Governor Joe Lombardo and Representative Mark Amodei, and supported by former President Donald Trump, Lee brings a remarkable record of accomplishments in North Las Vegas—a city of over 280,000 residents—to his campaign.
The 4th District, stretching across extensive rural areas with strong Republican leanings such as Lincoln County and Nye County, has seen a history of party shifts, indicating a potential for a Republican comeback. A seasoned political consultant suggests that Lee’s local popularity and persistent campaigning could sway the election in his favor.
Lee has criticized Horsford for his perceived lack of presence and engagement during the pandemic, alleging that he failed to support local businesses and address constituent needs.
Although Horsford’s office had promised an interview with The Post, it has not yet occurred. Lee also dismissed Horsford’s proposal to exclude service workers’ tips from federal income tax as merely echoing President Trump’s policies rather than a genuine initiative by Horsford.
