On social media, Kasama announced:

“Congress is broken. The partisan divide in Washington is growing and it is imperative that our representatives begin working together to solve problems and listen to their constituents. That is not happening enough in Washington, and I was eager to become part of the solution. Having said that, I could not imagine myself in Washington, DC trying to fix Congress if Governor Lombardo faced veto-proof majorities in both chambers at home in Nevada. Any such victory would be a hollow one. 

So, after much thought, discussion with my family, and a candid conversation with Governor Lombardo, it became crystal clear to me over the holidays that I can best serve my state, this Governor, and my constituents by returning to the State Capitol, rather than serving in our nation’s capital.

Therefore, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Congress and instead file for re-election to State Assembly District 2 to represent the good people of my district and continue to assist Governor Lombardo in his ongoing efforts to create a “New Nevada” that works for everyone.”

Kasama’s  announcement was followed with an endorsement from Governor Lombardo who has taken an active position in endorsing Republican candidates throughout the state in order to prevent Democrats from gaining a veto-proof supermajority in both houses of the state legislature.

With Kasama vying for state assembly, the swing district, established after the 2000 census, has changed hands between Republicans and Democrats, but Lee will be the only candidate to secure a fourth term, if successful. Current candidates in the GOP primary include Drew Johnson, Elizabeth Helgelien, and Steve London.