Former Las Vegas TV reporter jumps into Nevada congressional race

Former KLAS-TV, Channel 8 consumer reporter Michelle Mortensen on Wednesday formally jumped into the crowded Republican primary for Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District.

“I am tired of dysfunction in Washington,” Mortensen said in a statement. “I am tired of politicians giving us meaningless soundbites and offering promises of hope and change but delivering nothing. We can no longer allow our representatives in Washington to fail when it comes to fixing health care, securing our borders, cutting taxes and reducing government spending.”

Mortensen worked for six years at the Las Vegas CBS affiliate, where her “On Your Side” division featured segments such as product testing or tips for becoming financially stable. KLAS’ website claims “On Your Side” has saved or refunded Southern Nevadans over $1.3 million.

Mortensen’s campaign announcement said she walked away from an 18-year career in journalism because she was “fed up with the liberal media attacking conservatives and conservative values.”

The packed Republican field for the House seat features state Sen. Scott Hammond, former Assemblywoman Victoria Seaman and former Clark County Republican Party Chairman David McKeon.

Autism advocate Lynda Tache was in the race and raised more than $50,000 for her campaign, but she announced in October she was no longer running for the seat.

Philanthropist Susie Lee is considered the favorite in the four-candidate field on the Democratic side of the race.

Contact Colton Lochhead at clochhead@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638. Follow @ColtonLochhead on Twitter.