Nevada Democratic Party-endorsed candidate for the open seat in Assembly District 4, Ryan Hampton has positioned himself as a “fierce bipartisan advocate,” vowing to end “toxic politics” and pursue solutions for Nevada’s middle class.
However, his recent appearance on a podcast hosted by Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson has raised concerns about his claims of bipartisanship. During the interview, Hampton unleashed a barrage of attacks against Republicans, including Governor Joe Lombardo, despite the possibility that he may need to work with them to pass bipartisan legislation.
Hampton criticized Lombardo’s criminal justice reform efforts, calling him and his team “grifters” and accusing them of “abandoning humanity.”
While Hampton champions bipartisan ideals, his choice of the Lincoln Project—a group criticized for its financial dealings and scandals—has led some to question his commitment to bridging the political divide. The Lincoln Project, once celebrated for its anti-Trump stance, has faced scrutiny for funneling millions into consulting firms owned by its founders and ignoring allegations of sexual misconduct against one of its co-founders, John Weaver.
Hampton, a recovering opioid addict and career activist, has a history of supporting controversial policies like Oregon’s Ballot Measure 110, which decriminalized drug possession. Although Hampton has since distanced himself from the policy after being repealed in 2024, critics remain skeptical of his approach to criminal justice reform.
With Lombardo backing attorney Lisa Cole in the AD-4 race, Hampton’s ability to appeal to Republicans and independents will be critical in a district that could determine the balance of power in Nevada’s legislature. Whether his sharp rhetoric will help or hinder his campaign remains to be seen.
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