The race for Nevada's 4th Congressional District is heating up, with major candidates reporting huge sums of cash raised for one of the nation's most watched congressional battles.
Democratic candidates vying to take on incumbent Republican Congressman Cresent Hardy held a candidate forum last night in North Las Vegas, and will officially file their first contribution reports of 2016 with the Federal Elections Commission on Friday.
Hardy leads his opponents in available cash, raising a total of $191,025 through the first reporting period according to his campaign. He reports having $760,000 in cash on hand, leading all Democratic hopefuls in the race.
The former state Assemblyman won a surprising victory over former Congressman Steven Horsford in 2014, and represents a congressional district that leans Democratic in voter registration.
Democratic candidates state Sen. Ruben Kihuen, former Assemblywoman Lucy Flores and philanthropist Susie Lee all reported raising six figures in the first three months of 2016.
Kihuen's campaign reported raising around $191,000, and has $425,000 in available cash. The legislative veteran has been endorsed by the powerful Culinary Worker's Union and Nevada Sen. Harry Reid.
Former Assemblywoman Lucy Flores raised around $143,000 during the same time period. Her numbers were likely boosted by a fundraising email sent out by presidential candidate Bernie Sanders last week, whom she endorsed in January.
Lee outraised both Flores and Lee, pulling in roughly $230,000 including $50,000 in personal loans and more from contributions to herself. She reports having $642,000 in available cash.
Nevada's primary election is scheduled for June 14.
