John Lee’s campaign aims to transform Nevada’s 4th District from a Democratic to a Republican stronghold, with a focus on economic growth and border security.
At a Glance
- Since 2013, Lee has reduced crime in North Las Vegas and stabilized the city’s budget.
- He criticizes the Biden administration for inadequate border security and the increased illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
- Lee proposes sealing the borders, cutting financial support to Mexico, and reinstating Title 42.
- He switched to the Republican Party, citing conservative values and opposition to Democratic Socialism.
Campaign Focuses: Economic Growth and Border Security
John Lee has embarked on a vigorous campaign to secure Nevada’s 4th Congressional District for the Republican Party. Leveraging his extensive tenure as North Las Vegas Mayor, Lee emphasizes his success in stabilizing a city once plagued by high crime rates and fiscal deficits. North Las Vegas was considered one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., with a $156 million budget deficit in 2013.
Once elected as mayor, Lee’s administration turned things around. He hired 200 more officers, allocated $10 million to the police budget, and commissioned 77 new police vehicles—all without raising taxes. Lee also reopened jail services and established Veterans Treatment Courts aimed at reducing recidivism. By 2022, violent crime in North Las Vegas had decreased by 32%.
Border Security: A Critical Component
Lee strongly criticizes the Biden administration’s approach to border security. He points to increased illegal immigration and drug trafficking as indicators of a failed policy. The number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Clark County dramatically rose between 2020 and 2023, underscoring the urgency for better border control measures.
“Between 2020 and 2023 …, the number of overdose deaths among Clark County residents involving the concurrent use of fentanyl with methamphetamine or cocaine increased 97%, rising from 73 deaths to 144 deaths, respectively. For people who do not use opioids regularly, using stimulants that are adulterated with fentanyl places them at a higher risk of overdose,” cited a report from the South Nevada Health District.
Lee proposes drastic measures, including sealing the northern and southern borders and building a wall on the southern border. He also advocates cutting financial aid to Mexico until it secures its side of the border and suggests that illegal immigrants should neither own property nor qualify for public assistance. His policy recommendations also include the reinstatement of Title 42 and labeling drug cartels as terrorist organizations to seize their financial assets.
Shifting Political Allegiance
In a strategic political move, John Lee switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party. Lee cited the Democratic Party’s leftward shift and the takeover by Democratic Socialists of America as key reasons for his switch. “Though I’ve been a registered Democrat on paper my entire life, I made the switch in my heart a long time ago,” he said, emphasizing his conservative values, including pro-life and pro-2nd Amendment stances.
“Though I’ve been a registered Democrat on paper my entire life, I made the switch in my heart a long time ago, because on some things, there’s simply no compromise,” he said in a statement. “That’s why I voted for President Trump twice. That’s why I had an A+ rating from the NRA and their endorsement in my time in the state senate. I refuse to compromise my pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment values. I know there are countless others who want to make the switch, because it means the difference between hope and despair for their children and grandchildren. I hope they join me.”
Future Prospects and Policy Vision
John Lee’s shift in party allegiance isn’t the only significant change on the horizon. Lee’s campaign asserts that he is the most prominent elected official to switch parties since President Joe Biden took office. With a focus on smaller government, lower taxes, free speech, protecting unborn life, and the right to bear arms, Lee’s updated campaign platform resonates strongly with conservative voters in the district. He has not ruled out running for higher office in the future and has been receiving numerous calls on the subject.
“John Lee is in a prime position to flip Nevada’s 4th District red and help grow our House majority in November,” said Delanie Bomar, NRCC spokesperson.
Through his intensive focus on economic stability, public safety, and robust border security measures, John Lee hopes to convey a message of strength and revitalization to the voters of Nevada’s 4th District. As the political dynamics of the state continue to shift, all eyes are on Lee’s ambitious campaign to reshape the future of his district and, by extension, the broader political landscape of Nevada.
