VICTOR JOECKS: Kasama hopes to manipulate GOP voters – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas voters in Clark County District F will soon decide between Republican contenders in a heated primary that could challenge Democratic incumbent Justin Jones. Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama, seeking to elevate her career from the state Legislature to the county commission, has drawn sharp criticism from a prominent columnist who questions her conservative record and campaign methods.[1][2] Early voting for the June primary starts this month, placing Republican trust at the center of the contest against challenger Albert Mack.[1]
A Competitive Path to Higher Office
Heidi Kasama represented Nevada Assembly District 2 for three terms since her election in 2020. A former CPA and real estate broker, she built a career auditing businesses and leading realtor associations before entering politics. Now, she aims for Clark County Commission District F, a sprawling west Las Vegas area seat currently held by Jones.[2]
The Republican primary pits Kasama against Albert Mack, a political newcomer whose family name graces the Thomas & Mack Center. Mack entered the race recently, turning what was already a crowded field into one of Nevada’s most watched local contests. With 11 candidates initially filing, the GOP side has narrowed to these two key players, raising stakes for voters wary of party infighting.[1][3]
Commission decisions affect everyday residents through zoning, taxes, and public safety funding. A Republican win here could shift the board’s balance, impacting policies on housing growth and infrastructure in a booming region.
Conservative Record Under Fire
Victor Joecks, a Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist, argued that Kasama represents why many Republican voters hesitate to back elected officials from their own party. He pointed to her legislative votes as evidence of inconsistent conservatism. In the most recent session, Assemblyman Bert Gurr introduced a bill to protect women’s sports from male competitors. Thirteen of 15 Republican assembly members signed on as sponsors or co-sponsors, but Kasama did not.[1]
Kasama later voiced support for Governor Joe Lombardo’s initiative on the same issue. Joecks described this as opportunistic, noting she avoided the earlier fight that risked alienating Democrats or consultants. During a special session last year, she cast the deciding yes vote – remotely – for a proposal offering Hollywood $1.8 billion in transferable tax credits over 15 years. The measure died in the Senate, but critics viewed it as fiscally reckless.[1]
Nevada Policy, a conservative think tank, ranked her as the lowest-scoring Republican legislator in 2023. Her 2025 score rose above 70 percent but fell short of full marks. These patterns, Joecks contended, undermine her self-description as a “proven conservative fighter.”[1]
Campaign Tactics Ignite Dishonesty Debate
Kasama’s attacks on Mack have fueled further controversy. Billboards and signs across the valley feature an image of Mack wearing an “I’m with Her” shirt while hugging Hillary Clinton. A tiny disclaimer reads, “This image has been manipulated.” Mack denied ever wearing the shirt, speaking with Clinton, or hugging her.[1]
Her campaign website links Mack to Clinton through a single 2014 tweet from a UNLV Foundation dinner where he called her “the next POTUS.” Joecks labeled this approach as an attempt to mislead GOP primary voters, prioritizing deception over policy debate. Negative campaigning occurs in most races, but the manipulation claim has elevated tensions.
Key Criticisms from Joecks’ Column:
- Refusal to co-sponsor women’s sports protection bill initially.
- Deciding vote for Hollywood tax credits.
- Low conservative rankings in legislative sessions.
- Altered campaign imagery against Mack.
Kasama Highlights Strengths and Endorsements
Kasama’s campaign emphasizes a robust conservative platform. She touts a 100 percent pro-life record, NRA endorsement, and opposition to all tax hikes. Priorities include election integrity measures like voter ID, Second Amendment protections, and backing law enforcement.[2]
High-profile backers lend credibility. Governor Lombardo praised her ethics reform efforts. Former governors, senators, and fellow legislators have endorsed her, signaling establishment support. She positions herself as ready to cut regulations and promote fiscal responsibility on the commission.[2]
Though her site does not directly rebut recent attacks, it underscores business experience and legislative wins. Kasama merged her brokerage with a major firm and led realtor groups, framing these as assets for county governance.
What It Means for Voters
Clark County Republicans face a choice between Kasama’s tenure and Mack’s fresh entry. Primary turnout will determine if record scrutiny or attack ads sway the outcome. The winner advances to face Jones in November, where local issues like development and budgets loom large.
For GOP voters, the race tests faith in elected allies. Distrust lingers from past sessions, but endorsements and platforms offer counterpoints. As signs dot Henderson corners, residents weigh promises against performance in this pivotal local battle.[1]
