Horsford to run for reelection on Nevada workers’ issues

The Nevada Democrat has strong ties to unions and workers.

Democratic Rep. Steven Horsford launched his reelection campaign for Congressional District 4 in downtown Las Vegas with the support of prominent Nevada Democrats, unions, faith leaders, and community members. He first took the seat in 2013. After losing to Republican Cresent Hardy following a single term in office, he successfully reclaimed the seat and has held it since 2019.

Speaking to supporters gathered at Renowned Events, a small locally-owned business in his district, Horsford framed his platform around his working-class upbringing and the economic challenges facing Nevada families, while also criticizing President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

“If courts rule those tariffs illegal, the money they stole from you should go back to you,” he told crowdgoers. “That’s why I am fighting to pass the RELIEF Act. It’s not complicated. It’s just fair.”

The Restoring Economic Lifelines for Independent Enterprises and Family Businesses (RELIEF) Act would require the US Customs and Border Protection to automatically repay businesses for tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, following the Supreme Court’s decision that ruled them illegal, and ordered mass refunds.

Horsford highlighted several pieces of legislation he has introduced during his time in Congress, including the Housing Oversight and Mitigating Exploitation (HOME) Act, which seeks to expand housing access by preventing hedge fund market manipulation. He also promoted the Tips Improvement Act, a proposal to permanently eliminate taxes on tips. Alongside these policies, Horsford said he is fighting for “better wages” and universal health care.

“Across Nevada, people are working harder than ever, but it’s not adding up the way that it should,” Horsford said. “Working Families are doing everything right and still feel like the rules are stacked against them.”

Local unions and trades groups attending the event include the American Federation of Government Employees, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Women in Trades, and the local chapter of the Culinary Union.

Bethany Khan, spokesperson for the Culinary Union, said Horsford’s political career has long been tied to Nevada’s labor movement. Before entering politics, he led the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, a job training center for hospitality workers.

“He just hasn’t forgotten where he comes from,” she said.

For younger supporters like 17-year-old Sarah Shemess, Horsford’s campaign offers a chance to energize a new generation of voters on issues such as education costs and economic opportunities.

Shemess, chair of the Young Democrats of America High School Caucus and a supporter of Horsford, highlighted the importance of youth civic engagement. She also criticized rising college tuition costs in Nevada, which she argues limit potential, in an interview with The Nevadan-El Nevadense.

Despite the political climate heading into the midterms and being too young to vote, Shemess said she remains optimistic about the outcome.

“I’m excited to see how we all come together,” she said. “History keeps repeating itself. It’s always—we go really low, and then we just go back up, and we rise all together.”

With no Democratic challenger in the June primaries, Horsford could likely face one of three Republicans seeking to unseat him in November. The list includes healthcare professional Anthony D. Snowden, attorney Ronda Kennedy, and fourth-generation Nevadan and communications professional Cody Whipple.

Update: This story was updated on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 4 p.m. to reflect Horsford’s Republican challengers accurately following the candidate filing deadline.