Nevada's 4th Congressional District election, 2016

From Ballotpedia
Revision as of 22:28, 15 September 2025 by Marielle Bricker (contribs)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to: navigation, search
2018
2014

BattlegroundRace.jpg

Nevada's 4th Congressional District

General Election Date
November 8, 2016

Primary Date
June 14, 2016

November 8 Election Winner:
Ruben Kihuen Democratic Party
Incumbent prior to election:
Cresent Hardy Republican Party
CresentHardy.jpg

Race Ratings
Cook Political Report: Lean D[1]
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Lean D[2]
Rothenberg & Gonzales: Toss-up/Tilt D[3]

Nevada U.S. House Elections
District 1District 2District 3District 4

2016 U.S. Senate Elections

2016 U.S. House Elections

Flag of Nevada.png

The 4th Congressional District of Nevada held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 8, 2016.

Nevada's 4th Congressional District was a battleground district in 2016. State Sen. Ruben Kihuen (D) defeated Republican incumbent Cresent Hardy, Steve Brown (L), and Mike Little (Independent American) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Hardy defeated challengers Mike Monroe and Wayne Villines in the Republican primary, while Kihuen defeated seven other Democrats to win the nomination in the primary. The primary elections took place on June 14, 2016.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Incumbent Cresent Hardy (R) was vulnerable incumbent in 2016.
  • Nevada's 4th District supported Barack Obama in both 2012 and 2008.
  • Heading into the election, Hardy and state Sen. Ruben Kihuen were evenly matched in total fundraising.
  • Candidate Filing Deadline Primary Election General Election
    March 18, 2016
    June 14, 2016
    November 8, 2016

    Primary: A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Nevada has a closed primary system where a voter must be affiliated with a party to vote in that party's primary. A voter may be able to affiliate or change their affiliation on the day of the primary.[12][13][14]


    Incumbent: Heading into the election, the incumbent was Cresent Hardy (R), who was first elected in 2014.

    As of the 2010 redistricting cycle, Nevada's 4th Congressional District was located in the central portion of the state and included the counties of White Pine, Nye, Mineral, Esmeralda and Lincoln. It also included southern Lyon County and northern Clark County.[15]

    Election results

    General election

    U.S. House, Nevada District 4 General Election, 2016
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngRuben Kihuen 48.5% 128,985
         Republican Cresent Hardy Incumbent 44.5% 118,328
         Libertarian Steve Brown 3.8% 10,206
         Independent American Mike Little 3.1% 8,327
    Total Votes 265,846
    Source: Nevada Secretary of State

    Primary election

    U.S. House, Nevada District 4 Republican Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngCresent Hardy Incumbent 76.8% 18,610
    Mike Monroe 17.9% 4,336
    Wayne Villines 5.3% 1,290
    Total Votes 24,236
    Source: Nevada Secretary of State
    U.S. House, Nevada District 4 Democratic Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngRuben Kihuen 39.9% 12,221
    Lucy Flores 25.7% 7,854
    Susie Lee 20.9% 6,407
    Morse Arberry 6.2% 1,902
    Rodney Smith 2.8% 869
    Mike Schaefer 2.5% 773
    Dan Rolle 1.1% 336
    Brandon Casutt 0.8% 240
    Total Votes 30,602
    Source: Nevada Secretary of State

    Candidates

    General election candidates:

    Republican Party Cresent Hardy
    Democratic Party Ruben Kihuen Approveda
    Libertarian Party Steve Brown
    Grey.png Mike Little

    Primary candidates:[16]

    Democratic

    Morse Arberry[17]
    Brandon Casutt[17]
    Lucy Flores - Former assemblywoman[17]
    Ruben Kihuen - State senator[17] Approveda
    Susie Lee - Education advocate[17]
    Dan Rolle[17]
    Mike Schaefer[17]
    Rodney Smith[17]

    Republican

    Cresent Hardy - Incumbent[17] Approveda
    Mike Monroe[17]
    Wayne Villines[17]

    Third Party/Other

    Steve Brown (Libertarian)[17] Approveda
    Mike Little (Independent American)[17] Approveda

    Withdrew:
    John Oceguera - Former assembly speaker. Declared, never filed.[17][18]


    Race background

    Incumbent Cresent Hardy was a member of the NRCC's Patriot Program. The program was designed to help raise money and assist vulnerable incumbents seeking re-election.[19]

    Nevada's 4th District race was one of the initial races listed on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Red to Blue Program. The program "highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support."[20]

    Bernie Sanders' fundraising

    Senator Bernie Sanders began raising money for several progressive congressional candidates, including Lucy Flores, in April 2016.[21]

    Presidential preference

    Cresent Hardy

    See also: Republicans and their declared positions on Donald Trump

    On May 4, 2016, the day after Trump became the presumptive GOP nominee, Hardy’s campaign manager, Ross Hemminger, said in a statement, "Congressman Hardy continues to be focused on serving the people of Nevada's 4th Congressional District and his own campaign for re-election. He has said that he will support whomever the Republican nominee is.”[22] Hemminger did not mention Donald Trump in his statement.

    Endorsements

    Lucy Flores (D)

    • NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC - "Lucy Flores is a true champion for choice and we are proud to stand with her during her campaign for Congress. Nevadans deserve leaders who not only understand that women have the constitutional right to choose an abortion, but who vocally and wholeheartedly champion those rights. With so many threats to Americans’ reproductive freedom coming from the anti-choice majority in Congress, we need champions like Lucy who will unapologetically fight to defend and expand our right to the full range of reproductive health options."[23]

    Ruben Kihuen (D)

    Susie Lee (D)

    • EMILY's List - "Susie Lee is an experienced problem solver and a powerful advocate for Nevada women and families. As one of eight children raised in a working-class family, Susie knows that hardworking people all too often struggle to make ends meet. She is deeply committed to serving the most vulnerable Nevadans because she saw firsthand that community support can help disadvantaged children overcome barriers to opportunity. The stakes are high for women and families in this swing district, and the EMILY’s List community of over three million members is excited to endorse Susie’s strong campaign to move Nevada forward."[27]
    • Clark County Black Caucus[28]
    • Former Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones[29]

    Polls

    Nevada’s 4th District - Cresent Hardy vs. Ruben Kihuen
    Poll Republican Party Cresent Hardy Democratic Party Ruben KihuenMargin of ErrorSample Size
    GBA Strategies/DCCC
    October 13-16, 2016
    38%40%+/-4.9400
    Harper Polling
    July 6-7, 2016
    38%36%+/-4.9400
    Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

    Media

    Cresent Hardy

    Support

    "Servant" - Hardy's first ad, released September 2016
    "Hostile" - NRCC ad supporting Hardy, released September 2016

    Opposition

    DCCC ad opposing Hardy and Donald Trump, released September 2016
    "Cresent Hardy & Donald Trump" - DCCC ad opposing Hardy, released October 2016
    "Respect" - DCCC ad attacking Hardy for supporting Donald Trump

    Ruben Kihuen

    Support

    "Proud" - Kihuen's first TV ad, released May 2016
    "With Ruben" - Ad touting Kihuen's endorsements, released May 2016
    "Absolutely" - Kihuen campaign ad, released October 2016

    Opposition

    "Pocket" - NRCC ad opposing Kihuen, released October 2016
    "Stench" - NRCC ad opposing Kihuen, released October 2016

    Campaign themes

    Cresent Hardy

    • Balancing the Budget: The Federal Government has got to learn to live within its’ means. We must immediately balance the overly bloated federal budget, and actively work toward reducing our trade deficit.
    • Jobs/Economy: Job creation and retention are the key elements to getting our stagnant economy moving again. Employers will not invest in new businesses or expand existing ones when taxes are high and the federal government is saddling them with expensive unfunded mandates and burdensome regulations.
    • Education: I believe that decisions regarding the education of our children are best made at the local and state levels, rather than by the Federal Department of Education. Innovative programs such as merit pay for our best teachers should be further explored and developed. Voucher programs and charter schools have shown positive results and should be dramatically expanded.
    • Healthcare: The Federal Government should not be forcing unfunded mandates such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) upon the states. This sort of top-down legislation from the Federal Government comes with many unintended consequences, and places tremendous burden upon the businesses and employers that drive our economy.
    • National Defense: As one of the most fundamental responsibilities of the Federal Government, a strong national defense is critical to the freedom and quality of life of all Americans. Our borders must remain secure, and we must at all times be cognizant of the rising threat from those who wish to do us harm, both foreign and domestic.

    [30]

    —Cresent Hardy's campaign website, http://cresenthardyforcongress.com/

    Ruben Kihuen

    • Addressing Wealth Inequality and Holding Wall Street Accountable: According to the Institute for Policy Studies, the 20 wealthiest Americans, who could fit in a single Gulfstream G650 luxury jet,­ now own more wealth than half of the American population. Average Americans work longer hours for less pay. This growing wealth and income inequality is simply unacceptable.
    • Investing in our Children: As a young immigrant, the education I received from the Clark County School District is the reason I am here today. I deeply believe in public education and believe we have an obligation to ensure all students, regardless of the color of their skin or the income of their parents, receive a top-notch education.
    • Making College More Affordable: It's time we make debt-free college a national priority and ensure the next generation can lead our economy forward free of the burden of tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt.
    • Raising the Minimum Wage: If you work 40 hours a week and make the Nevada minimum wage of $8.25/hour, you are living in poverty. That is simply unacceptable. No one in the United States who works full time should live in poverty.
    • A Dignified Retirement for Our Seniors: With the number of people with pensions dwindling and the number of people retiring increasing, we must protect and expand Social Security and Medicare to ensure a dignified retirement for our seniors.

    [30]

    —Ruben Kihuen's campaign website, http://rubenforcongress.com/

    Campaign contributions


    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    Cresent Hardy


    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    Ruben Kihuen


    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.



    BP-Initials-UPDATED.png The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may not represent all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer, and campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


    District history

    2014

    See also: Nevada's 4th Congressional District elections, 2014

    The 4th Congressional District of Nevada held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Cresent Hardy (R) defeated incumbent Steven Horsford (D), Steve Brown (L) and Russell Best (Independent American) in the general election.

    U.S. House, Nevada District 4 General Election, 2014
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Steven Horsford Incumbent 45.8% 59,844
         Republican Green check mark transparent.pngCresent Hardy 48.5% 63,466
         Libertarian Steve Brown 3.1% 4,119
         Independent American Russell Best 2.6% 3,352
    Total Votes 130,781
    Source: Nevada Secretary of State

    2012

    See also: Nevada's 4th Congressional District elections, 2012

    The 4th Congressional District of Nevada elected its first representative in 2012. Former state Sen. Steven Horsford (D) defeated Danny Tarkanian (R), Joseph P. Silvestri (L) and Floyd Fitzgibbons (AI) in the general election on November 6, 2012.

    U.S. House, Nevada District 4 General Election, 2012
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngSteven Horsford 50.1% 120,501
         Republican Danny Tarkanian 42.1% 101,261
         Libertarian Joseph P. Silvestri 3.9% 9,341
         Independent American Party of Nevada Floyd Fitzgibbons 3.9% 9,389
    Total Votes 240,492
    Source: Nevada Secretary of State "U.S. House of Representatives Results"

    Important dates and deadlines

    See also: Nevada elections, 2016

    The calendar below lists important dates for political candidates in Nevada in 2016.

    Dates and requirements for candidates in 2016
    Deadline Event type Event description
    January 4, 2016 Ballot access Judicial candidate filing period opens
    January 15, 2016 Ballot access Judicial candidate filing period closes
    March 7, 2016 Ballot access Candidate filing period opens
    March 18, 2016 Ballot access Candidate filing period closes
    March 28, 2016 Campaign finance Candidate financial disclosure statement due
    May 24, 2016 Campaign finance Contributions and expenses report #1 due
    June 10, 2016 Campaign finance Contributions and expenses report #2 due
    June 14, 2016 Election date Primary election
    October 18, 2016 Campaign finance Contributions and expenses report #3 due
    November 4, 2016 Campaign finance Contributions and expenses report #4 due
    November 8, 2016 Election date General election
    January 15, 2017 Campaign finance Annual contributions and expenses report due; Contributions and expenses report #5 due; annual financial disclosure statement due
    Source: Nevada Secretary of State, "Important 2016 Candidate Dates," accessed July 17, 2015

    See also

    Footnotes

    1. Cook Political Report, "2016 House Race Ratings for July 11, 2016," accessed July 19, 2016
    2. Sabato's Crystal Ball, "2016 House," accessed July 18, 2016
    3. Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report, "House Ratings," accessed July 19, 2016
    4. Nevada Secretary of State, "2016 Filed Non-Judicial Candidates," accessed March 19, 2016
    5. Facebook, "I AM RUNNING FOR CONGRESS - CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 4," March 28, 2015
    6. Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Democrat Lucy Flores announces congressional bid," April 22, 2015
    7. Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Vegas philanthropist Susie Lee may seek congressional seat," April 27, 2015
    8. KNPR, "Former Assembly Speaker John Oceguera Running For Congress," July 9, 2015
    9. Roll Call, "Exclusive: NRCC Announces 12 Members in Patriot Program," February 13, 2015
    10. The New York Times, "Nevada Primary Results," June 14, 2016
    11. Nevada Secretary of State, "2016 Master Statewide Certified List of Candidates," accessed September 7, 2016
    12. Nevada Legislature, "Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.287," accessed September 12, 2025
    13. Nevada Legislature, "Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.5847," accessed September 12, 2025
    14. Nevada Legislature, "Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.560," accessed September 12, 2025
    15. Nevada Redistricting Map, "Map," accessed September 25, 2012
    16. Candidates are listed by party and alphabetically within each party.
    17. 17.00 17.01 17.02 17.03 17.04 17.05 17.06 17.07 17.08 17.09 17.10 17.11 17.12 17.13 Nevada Secretary of State, "2016 Filed Non-Judicial Candidates," accessed March 19, 2016
    18. KNPR, "Former Assembly Speaker John Oceguera Running For Congress," July 9, 2015
    19. Roll Call, "Exclusive: NRCC Announces 12 Members in Patriot Program," February 13, 2015
    20. DCCC, "DCCC Chairman Luján Announces First 31 Districts In Red To Blue Program," February 11, 2016
    21. Politico, "Bernie begins raising cash for down-ballot progressives," April 13, 2016
    22. Las Vegas Sun, "Sandoval, other top Nevada Republicans plan to vote for Trump," accessed May 6, 2016
    23. NARAL Pro-Choice America, "NARAL Endorses Three Defenders of Choice for Congress," March 25, 2016
    24. Las Vegas Sun, "Culinary Union endorses Ruben Kihuen in crowded CD4 race," February 4, 2016
    25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 Ruben Kihuen, Domoract for Congress, "Team Kihuen Announces 13 More Endorsements," November 16, 2015
    26. Las Vegas Sun, "Reid endorses Kihuen in 4-way Democratic House primary," September 3, 2015
    27. EMILY's List, "EMILY’s List Endorses Susie Lee for Congress in Nevada’s Fourth Congressional District," March 10, 2016
    28. Clark County Black Caucus, "Susie Lee Letter of Endorsement," March 31, 2016
    29. Las Vegas Sun, "Democrats active early in key CD4 race," June 29, 2015
    30. 30.0 30.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.


    For information about public policy issues in the 2016 elections, see: Public policy in the 2016 elections!


    Senators
    Representatives
    District 1
    District 2
    District 3
    Susie Lee (D)
    District 4
    Democratic Party (5)
    Republican Party (1)