Former U.S. House candidate announces run for Nevada treasurer

Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine flips pancakes on the griddle at the Sunrise Rotary Club pancake breakfast during the Boulder City 76th Annual 4th of July Celebration Thursday, July 4, 2024. The Democrat announced earlier this month that he will run for Nevada attorney general in 2026. Photo by: Christopher DeVargas

Former U.S. House Republican candidate Drew Johnson announced his 2026 bid for state treasurer this morning. 

"Last year, our fight for transparent, accountable government that respects taxpayers’ hard-earned money resonated deeply with Nevadans," Johnson said in a statement. "Our near-victory in one of the nation’s toughest congressional districts demonstrated a powerful demand for accountability, transparency, and integrity — principles I will steadfastly uphold as State Treasurer."

His decision comes as current Nevada Treasurer Zach Conine, a Democrat, said earlier this month he aimed to run for term-locked Attorney General Aaron Ford’s office. Johnson lost to incumbent Rep. Susie Lee, D-Las Vegas, in the 2024 general election by over 10,000 votes. It was the closest of the four House races in Nevada last fall. 

He said his goals would include expanding Nevada’s college savings programs to increase affordability for higher education programs in the state and ensuring lower costs for critical infrastructure projects. 

“I will also fight to make sure all Nevadans have the opportunity to pull themselves out of poverty like I did,” Johnson said in a statement. “By promoting financial literacy education in schools and lower-income communities.”

President Donald Trump gave Johnson’s House candidacy his “complete and total” endorsement, writing on social media that “he will not let you down,” in August.

Johnson’s campaign announcement said he has long been dedicated to “promoting fiscal responsibility and protecting taxpayer dollars.” He founded and served as president of what is now called the Beacon Center of Tennessee, worked at the American Enterprise Institute and the National Taxpayers Union and at the Taxpayers Protection Alliance and National Center for Public Policy Research.