In yet another disturbing display of racism from Nevada Republicans, newly unearthed audio has surfaced of NVGOP Minority Leader PK O’Neill saying Joe Lombardo vetoed “DEI – diversity, equity, inclusion, which I really think should be spelled D-I-E,” in an attempt to defend Lombardo’s vetoes and mock Nevada’s diversity. This comes after Congressional candidate John Lee was caught telling a room of supporters, “I’m not worried about Black people,” while running to represent the district with the largest concentration of Black voters in Nevada.

Earlier this year, Republican for State Senate District 9, John Ellison, was caught making racist remarks referring to his former employees he apparently fired as “colored people”. This series of racist comments by NVGOP candidates has pulled back the mask on their attempts to “present moderate” and highlights how out of touch they are with the residents of the most diverse battleground state.

“This brazen racism is not an isolated incident—it’s part of an ongoing, dangerous narrative coming from Republican leadership to vilify the diverse communities that make up our state,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Carlos Perez. “Their mockery of diversity, equity, and inclusion is more than just offensive, it’s in direct contrast to the values we hold dear as Nevadans. Democrats continue to stand united against this disgusting wave of bigotry and once again, call on the NVGOP to condemn this series of racist remarks or explain to voters why they will not.”