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Former Lawmakers Look for Comeback in Nevada’s 4th District

Steven Horsford announced campaign Thursday

Former Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford says he’s running for Congress again. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Former Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford says he’s running for Congress again. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Several former lawmakers are hoping to return to Congress in 2018, but Nevada’s 4th District could host a unique contest between two former seat holders looking for a comeback.

Former Democratic Rep. Steven Horsford, who represented the district for a term beginning in 2013, launched his campaign Thursday for the open-seat race. And former GOP Rep. Cresent Hardy, who unseated Horsford in 2014, has also filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run.

Freshman Democratic Rep. Ruben Kihuenis not running for re-election, following allegations of sexual harassment. Kihuen defeated Hardy in 2016 by 4 points, and Hillary Clinton carried the district by 5 points.

Of course, both Hardy and Horsford will have to make it through the June 12 primary first. Hardy’s path could be easier. He jumped into the race after the front-runner, Las Vegas City Councilman Stavros Anthony, dropped out citing health issues, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Horsford is entering a more crowded Democratic primary field. Amy Vilela, who is backed by the liberal group Justice Democrats, was already running before Kihuen announced his retirement. State Sen. Pat Spearman, an Army veteran and pastor, entered the race earlier this month. Former high school principal John Anzalone is also running.

Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the 4th District race Likely Democratic.

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