Ex-lawmaker wants his rural seat back. He'll have to get past 3 more Republicans first. – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Northern Nevada’s Assembly District 39 is preparing for a four-way Republican primary that will test the staying power of a former lawmaker who resigned last year. The rural district, which covers parts of South Lake Tahoe along with Dayton, Minden, Zephyr Cove, Genoa and Gardnerville, carries a clear Republican registration advantage. Whoever emerges from the June contest is expected to hold the seat through the November general election.
Candidates Bring Distinct Records to the Contest
Blayne Osborn, 36, of Gardnerville, currently holds the seat after an appointment in October 2025 and carries the endorsement of Gov. Joe Lombardo. He spent nearly two decades working inside the Legislature before entering office, most recently as president of the Nevada Rural Hospital Partners. Osborn points to that institutional experience as the factor that allows him to advance amendments even when Democrats control the Senate. Ken Gray, 66, of Dayton, represented the district from 2023 until he left for a senior adviser role at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. An Air Force veteran and former Lyon County commissioner, Gray returned to Nevada after citing family safety concerns tied to a stalker. He emphasizes his willingness to co-sponsor legislation from both parties when the policy is sound. Brianna Cowan, 35, a Navy veteran and small-business owner, and Bridget Peterson, 49, a former Lyon County School Board trustee now working in human resources, round out the field. Cowan stresses her grassroots connections and everyday perspective as a mother and veteran. Peterson highlights her master’s degree in public administration and decade of local public service, including work on a statewide school-board task force.
Fundraising Remains Tight Among Leading Contenders
Three candidates reported comparable totals for the first quarter. Osborn raised $24,400 and holds nearly $50,000 in cash on hand. Gray collected $23,000 with almost $10,000 remaining, while Cowan reported $21,300 and nearly $12,000 on hand. Peterson has contributed $3,300 of her own funds. These figures exclude in-kind support and personal loans.
Energy, Data Centers and Economic Incentives Divide the Field
All four candidates oppose new taxes and support voter identification requirements. Osborn wants to improve fire-insurance access for Lake Tahoe homeowners and fix a DMV rule that forces vehicle re-registrants to re-register as voters, often defaulting them to nonpartisan status. He also backs a moratorium on new data centers until their water and power demands can be fully assessed. Gray advocates attracting oil refineries and micro nuclear plants to reduce reliance on solar power that is frequently exported out of state. He calls for ending driver authorization cards for undocumented immigrants. Cowan focuses on easing regulations for small businesses and strengthening support for law enforcement and veterans through existing programs rather than new government offices. Peterson favors a case-by-case approach to data centers and supports a cap on corporate home purchases to ease housing costs. On economic incentives, Osborn and Gray both opposed expanding film tax credits in the 2026 special session, arguing the jobs would not be permanent enough to justify the cost. Cowan prefers letting the free market operate except in narrow cases such as rural hospitals. Peterson says the state has gone too far with abatements and wants to moderate their use while still creating jobs.
Education Approaches Reflect Different Priorities
Osborn, Gray and Cowan support expanding school choice options. Osborn argues the per-pupil funding formula must be adjusted so rural districts do not lose teachers when enrollment drops. Gray wants to cut administrative overhead and refocus classrooms on reading, writing and arithmetic. Cowan believes competition and free-market principles would improve efficiency and reduce spending on diversity, equity and inclusion offices. Peterson places public schools first and opposes vouchers or charter expansion. She wants every child to have access to modern technology and qualified teachers, suggesting marijuana tax revenue could help close funding gaps.
Key points for voters: The June primary winner will almost certainly represent the district in Carson City. Osborn leads in cash on hand. Gray brings prior legislative experience. Cowan and Peterson emphasize local roots and fresh perspectives. Data-center policy, energy reliability and education funding remain the clearest points of contrast.
The outcome will shape how rural Northern Nevada is represented on issues from wildfire insurance to school funding formulas. With the primary only weeks away, the four candidates continue to press their cases directly to voters across the district’s scattered communities.
