PRESS RELEASE: Heidi Kasama Sells Her Soul for an Endorsement

January 5, 2026 | Contact: info@albertmack.com

(LAS VEGAS, NV) — Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama was the deciding vote in the Nevada Assembly to pass “Hollywood Handouts,” a failed proposal that would have put Nevada taxpayers on the hook for up to $1.8 billion. That vote was followed by an endorsement from the Governor, adding to growing concerns about Kasama’s willingness to do or say anything to remain in office.

Kasama voted to support legislation expanding taxpayer subsidies for Hollywood studios, backing a special-session proposal that ultimately failed despite widespread opposition from conservatives, fiscal watchdogs, and taxpayer advocates across Nevada.

Notably, audio from a local Republican event confirms Kasama assured attendees she would vote no on the bill unless it included significant, enforceable guarantees for Nevada jobs. Despite that assurance to grassroots activists, Kasama ultimately voted yes when the measure came before the Legislature.

The Governor championed the Hollywood subsidy effort, advocating for its passage and encouraging lawmakers to support it. Kasama aligned herself with that push and was later endorsed by the Governor, a sequence of events that has left many voters questioning her judgment and motivations.

“Kasama chose Hollywood special interests over Nevada taxpayers, and then welcomed an endorsement tied to the very agenda conservatives warned against,” a campaign spokesman said. “That reflects a troubling pattern.”

CONSERVATIVES WARNED, KASAMA VOTED YES ANYWAY

Kasama’s support for Hollywood Handouts came despite clear and public opposition from conservative leaders and organizations:

“Sound fiscal policy requires asking whether subsidizing an industry at an 80 percent loss serves the state’s highest priorities. Those same resources could support education, infrastructure, or other less volatile industries.”

— Keystone Corporation, statement opposing the Hollywood Handout bill

“Keystone Corporation urges all members of both the Nevada Assembly and State Senate to vote NO on this bill.”

— Keystone Corporation

“Come on, state senators. How many reasons do you need to kill the Hollywood Handout?”

— Chuck Muth, conservative commentator

“If you can’t spot the sucker in your first half hour at the table, then you are the sucker. What a perfect description of the push for Hollywood handouts.”

— Victor Joecks, Las Vegas Review-Journal

“Lombardo and other Hollywood handout politicians are the suckers at the poker table, and they’re playing with your money.”

— Victor Joecks, Las Vegas Review-Journal

“Film tax credits are a costly gamble for taxpayers that often return only a fraction of what is promised, and lawmakers should reject these corporate welfare schemes.”

— Nevada Policy

For many conservatives, this vote fits a broader and troubling pattern of Kasama prioritizing self-preservation over principle.

“Heidi Kasama has made it clear her top priority isn’t Nevada taxpayers, it’s Heidi Kasama,” the spokesperson said. “When powerful special interests want something, she’s there. When endorsements help her climb the ladder, she takes them. But when Nevada conservatives need her to hold the line, she’s nowhere to be found.”

“Heidi Kasama has raised the gas tax, voted to fund the far left, and been ranked the most liberal Republican in the Assembly, despite representing one of the most conservative districts in Southern Nevada. Her legislative tenure has been defined by broken promises and a consistent failure to stand with her constituents, all to preserve her political career and win another election.”

“Nevada voters deserve leaders who keep their word, not career politicians who do or say whatever it takes to stay in power.”

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