Zach Conine Announces Candidacy for Nevada Attorney General in 2026
Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine has officially declared his intention to run for Attorney General in the upcoming 2026 election. In an interview with The Nevada Independent, Conine articulated his commitment to holding the federal government accountable and safeguarding the rights of Nevadans.
Background and Political Landscape
As a Democrat, Conine is the first major candidate to announce his candidacy for the Attorney General position, which will become vacant as current Attorney General Aaron Ford transitions to his gubernatorial campaign. Conine emphasized the importance of having a qualified individual ready to address the needs of the state from day one.
Conine’s Vision for the Role
“We need somebody in that office who has already had their sleeves rolled up, who can, on day one, keep protecting Nevadans,” said Conine. He stressed that without experienced leadership, the state could face significant challenges. Conine believes the next Attorney General must effectively navigate federal policies and advocate for Nevada’s interests.
Career Highlights
Conine has a robust background in public service and finance. He has served as Nevada’s Treasurer since 2018, winning a closely contested election against former Las Vegas City Councilman Bob Beers. He successfully ran for re-election in 2022, securing victory over Michele Fiore by a narrow margin.
Before entering politics, Conine earned his law degree from UNLV’s Boyd School of Law while juggling a career in hospitality and finance. His professional experiences position him well for the Attorney General role, where he aims to build on his previous work.
Achievements as Treasurer
- Led the Pandemic Emergency Technical Support Grant Program for small businesses.
- Financed affordable housing projects as chair of the state infrastructure bank.
- Improved Nevada’s credit rating three times during his tenure.
- Introduced a grant program for children with disabilities.
- Returned over $200 million in unclaimed property to residents.
Challenges Ahead
Conine’s concerns have shifted from immediate economic issues like the pandemic and inflation to longer-term challenges posed by federal government policy, particularly under the Trump administration. He expressed that federal actions, such as tariffs and grant reductions affecting nonprofits, necessitate a strong state legal response.
“One of the best ways for us to fight back against that is by using the attorney general’s office as effectively as possible,” he noted, reinforcing his commitment to the role.
Future Prospects
While Conine is the first significant candidate to officially declare, potential challengers may include Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro and conservative lawyer Joey Gilbert. Conine remains confident about his track record, stating his experience and effectiveness will resonate against any competition.
“I’ve been to communities large and small… putting in the work to be an effective and respected statewide elected official for six years,” he said, emphasizing his dedication to public service and the people of Nevada.