Hafen announces new leadership team for Assembly Republicans

By Brittany Sheehan  

Nevada News and Views

The Nevada Assembly Republican Caucus just announced some big changes to their leadership team. But not everyone in the conservative movement is celebrating.

On Friday morning, Minority Leader Gregory Hafen rolled out a series of new appointments and recommendations. Assemblyman Brian Hibbetts will take over as Caucus Whip, replacing Toby Yurek who left to join Governor Joe Lombardo’s team. Assemblyman Bert Gurr gets the chair position on the Assembly Executive Committee. And Assemblywoman Lisa Cole will serve as the new treasurer.

Hafen also put forward two names to fill vacant assembly seats. Jason Patchett for District 19 and Blayne Osborn for District 39.

Why This Matters to Conservatives

Here’s the thing. When you believe in limited government and constitutional principles, leadership picks really matter. The people in these positions help decide which bills move forward and which ones die. They shape the direction of the Republican caucus. And they’re supposed to represent conservative values.

But sources close to the caucus say some longtime conservative members weren’t consulted before these announcements went out. That’s a problem. Good leadership doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It listens to the people who’ve been in the trenches fighting for conservative principles.

Think about it like this. If your homeowners association board made major decisions without asking the members who’ve been active for years, you’d probably be frustrated too. That’s what’s happening here, just on a bigger scale with real policy consequences.

Who Are These New Leaders?

Hafen calls Hibbetts “a constitutionalist who has a deep understanding of the law” in his role as the new Caucus Whip. The position is important because the whip helps count votes and keep caucus members united on key legislation.

Bert Gurr takes over as chair of the Assembly Executive Committee. This committee handles internal caucus operations and helps set priorities for the Republican minority.

Lisa Cole steps into the newly created treasurer role. She’ll manage caucus finances and fundraising efforts.

The Vacant Seats

Jason Patchett is Hafen’s pick for District 19. Patchett worked on Rex’s Law, which increased penalties for fatal crashes caused by excessive speeding. The law passed in 2023 as Senate Bill 322. His son Rex was killed in March 2022 by a driver going over 100 mph. Patchett walked his son’s tragic experience through the legislative process to create change.

Hafen explained: “I believe both Patchett and Osborn would bring a wealth of knowledge regarding state politics, statutes and regulations and would be great assets to the caucus and the legislature.”

For District 39, Hafen recommends Blayne Osborn. Osborn currently serves as president of Nevada Rural Hospital Partners. He’s been involved in every legislative session and special session since 2009. That’s over 15 years of experience watching how laws get made in Carson City.

The Bigger Picture

Nevada faces real challenges that matter to limited government conservatives. Property taxes keep climbing. The state budget keeps growing. Regulations pile up on small businesses. Families struggle with the cost of living.

In a state where Republicans are already in the minority, every leadership decision carries weight. The caucus needs voices that will push back against spending increases and new regulations. They need leaders who understand that government isn’t the answer to every problem.

Supporters of bigger government would likely see these appointments differently. They might prefer leaders willing to compromise on spending or support new programs. That’s the fundamental divide in Nevada politics right now.

What Happens Next

The Governor receives these recommendations. Then county commissions in each district vote on whether to approve Patchett and Osborn for the vacant seats.

A special session is coming up. These newly appointed leaders will help set the agenda and priorities. The decisions they make will affect Nevada families and businesses.

What Conservatives Can Do

First, pay attention. Find out how your assemblymember votes. Look at their actual record, not just their statements. Conservative scorecards from groups like the American Conservative Union can help you see where legislators really stand.

Second, make your voice heard. Contact your county commissioners before they vote on the District 19 and District 39 appointments. Let them know you expect representatives who will fight for limited government.

Third, stay engaged with your local Republican organization. Show up to meetings. Ask questions. The caucus listens when grassroots conservatives stay active and organized.

Finally, remember that primaries matter. If these leaders don’t deliver on conservative principles, there’s always the next election cycle.

The Nevada Republican caucus made its choices. Now it’s up to conservatives to watch, engage, and hold their representatives accountable to the values of limited government and personal freedom.

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Brittany Sheehan is a Las Vegas-based mother, policy advocate and grassroots leader. She is active in local politics, successful in campaign work and passionate about liberty.