Nevada Primary Election 2026: Key Results, Trends, and the Road to November

Nevada voters delivered several notable outcomes in the 2026 Primary Election, setting the stage for a competitive General Election this November and helping shape the political landscape heading into the 2027 Legislative Session. While most incumbents survived primary challenges, several open-seat contests, competitive legislative races, and closely watched statewide races produced significant results.

The election also reinforced several broader political trends. President Donald Trump continued to demonstrate significant influence within Republican primaries, with Trump-endorsed candidates performing well both nationally and in Nevada. However, recent elections have also shown that endorsements and primary victories do not always guarantee success in the general election, particularly as independent voters continue to play a larger role.

Economic concerns remain a top priority for voters. Candidates from both parties are emphasizing affordability, inflation, wages, taxes, and cost-of-living challenges as they prepare for November.

Looking Ahead: Potential Special Session on Affordability

Beyond the election results, attention is increasingly turning toward the possibility of a summer special legislative session focused on affordability and tax relief. Political observers have speculated that Governor Joe Lombardo could propose a temporary tax holiday or targeted sales and gas tax relief aimed at addressing ongoing cost-of-living concerns, with the state reimbursing local governments for lost revenue. The discussion reflects a broader political reality emerging from the primary: affordability remains one of the top issues for Nevada voters, and both parties are likely to center their general election messaging around economic concerns. Whether a special session ultimately occurs remains uncertain, but the conversation itself underscores the extent to which housing costs, inflation, and household budgets are shaping Nevada's political environment heading into November.

Taken together, these results suggest that while endorsements, fundraising, and institutional support remain important, Nevada voters continue to reward strong local campaigns and are willing to challenge incumbents when they believe change is warranted. As attention shifts toward November, the growing influence of nonpartisan voters, continued economic concerns, and the potential for additional policy debates surrounding affordability and tax relief are likely to play a significant role in shaping the state's political landscape.

Key Results

Congressional District 2 (Open Seat) – Flippo (R) vs. Benitez-Thompson (D)

The retirement of Congressman Mark Amodei created Nevada's only open congressional seat and one of the state's most closely watched races. Republicans nominated David Flippo following a competitive primary in which he benefited from President Trump's endorsement. Democrats selected former Assemblywoman Teresa Benitez-Thompson. While the district maintains a Republican advantage, Democrats are expected to compete aggressively for the open seat.

Governor – Lombardo vs. Ford

Governor Joe Lombardo easily secured the Republican nomination, receiving more than 91% of the vote. Democrats nominated Attorney General Aaron Ford, who won his primary decisively with nearly 64% support. The Lombardo-Ford matchup is expected to become one of Nevada's marquee statewide contests and will likely focus on housing affordability, public safety, economic development, education, and growth management.

Attorney General (Open Seat) – Cannizzaro vs. Guzman Fralick

With Aaron Ford running for governor, Nevada voters selected nominees for the state's first open Attorney General race in several election cycles. Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro won the Democratic nomination with approximately 61% of the vote, defeating State Treasurer Zach Conine. Republicans nominated Adriana Guzman Fralick, who received roughly 60% of the vote over Danny Tarkanian. The Cannizzaro-Guzman Fralick contest is expected to be one of the most competitive statewide races this fall.

Lieutenant Governor – Jauregui vs. Anthony

Assembly Majority Leader Sandra Jauregui secured the Democratic nomination with nearly 60% of the vote and will challenge incumbent Republican Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony in November. The race is viewed as an important test of statewide voter sentiment and may serve as a launching point for future statewide leadership.

State Treasurer (Open Seat) – Mathis-Coleman (D) vs. Johnson (R)

An open Treasurer's race also emerged this cycle. Tya Mathis-Coleman won the Democratic nomination with approximately 55% of the vote. The Republican primary remained one of the closest statewide contests, with Drew Johnson ultimately taking the nomination.

Secretary of State – Aguilar (D) vs. Marchant (R)

Incumbent Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar advanced to the General Election and will face a Republican challenger Jim Marchant this fall.

State Senate Results

Several Senate incumbents faced meaningful primary challenges but ultimately prevailed:

• SD 2: Senator Edgar Flores defeated labor-backed challenger Isaac Barron with approximately 54% of the vote after facing criticism for his opposition to the proposed film tax credit legislation.
• SD 21: Senator James Ohrenschall narrowly defeated Junior Romero, winning with just under 53%.
• SD 16: Senator Lisa Krasner comfortably secured renomination with nearly 70% of the vote.
• SD 8: George Harris won the Republican nomination and will face Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop in November.

Several Senate contests will now move into the General Election, including competitive races in SD 8, SD9, SD 12, and SD 20.

Assembly Results

Open Seats

A number of Assembly districts featured open-seat contests that will help shape the next Legislature:

• AD 1: Alexis Esparza advanced after winning the Democratic primary.
• AD 2: Kamilah Bywaters secured the Democratic nomination.
• AD 7: Cameron Homer Miller advanced in an open-seat race.
• AD 9: Ryan Hampton won the Democratic nomination.
• AD 23: Jan Allen Aspelund advanced in the open-seat contest.
• AD 29: Alex Pereszlenyi advanced in another open-seat race.
• AD 40: Julie Butler emerged as the Republican nominee to succeed retiring Assemblyman P.K. O'Neill.
• AD 41: Vinny Spotleson emerged from one of the closest legislative races of the evening and will advance to November.
• AD 22: Shenea Booth advanced to the General Election after defeating a primary challenger.

Incumbent Challenges

Most incumbents successfully defeated primary challengers:

• AD 6: Jovan Jackson won renomination with about 71%.
• AD 8: Duy Nguyen secured renomination with more than 82%.
• AD 10: Venise Karris won renomination.
• AD 16: Cecelia Gonzalez won renomination comfortably.
• AD 17: Linda Hunt won renomination by a substantial margin.
• AD 18: Venicia Considine secured renomination.
• AD 20: David Orentlicher won renomination.
• AD 39: Blayne Osborn defeated former Assemblyman Ken Gray and other challengers.
• AD 42: Tracy Brown-May secured renomination with approximately 73%.

The most notable upset occurred in AD 15, where labor-backed challenger Miguel Davila defeated incumbent Assemblyman Howard Watts after one of the closest and most closely watched legislative primaries in the state.

Local Government Highlights

Several local races produced significant results and will remain closely watched through November:

• Reno Mayor: Kate Marshall advanced to the General Election and will face Kathleen Taylor.
• Henderson Mayor: Hollie Chadwick advanced and remains one of the strongest-positioned candidates in the open-seat contest.
• Washoe County Commission Districts 2 and 5 remain key open-seat races.
• North Las Vegas Mayor is open, with Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno advancing to face Scott Black.
• Several city council and county offices throughout Washoe and Clark Counties will also be contested in November.

Key Takeaways

• Incumbents generally performed well across Nevada.
• Women secured nominations in several major statewide and local races.
• Trump-endorsed candidates continued to perform strongly in Republican primaries, most notably in Congressional District 2.
• Labor organizations demonstrated significant influence in select legislative races, particularly AD 15 and attempted in SD 2.
• Multiple open-seat contests at the federal, statewide, legislative, and local levels will create opportunities for new leadership in 2027.
• The General Election will be anchored by the Governor's race, the open Attorney General contest, Congressional District 2, and several competitive legislative districts.

As Nevada moves toward November, attention will shift from primary turnout and intra-party dynamics to broader questions surrounding affordability, economic development, housing, education, public safety, and growth. The outcomes of these races will help determine both the partisan balance of power and the policy direction of Nevada heading into the 2027 Legislative Session.

Important Dates 2026

Below is our list of candidates who will appear on the general election ballot as well as links to useful election resources. This page will be updated throughout the 2026 election cycle.

Additional Resources

15 big takeaways from Nevada's 2026 primary elections

Who voted in Nevada's 2026 primary? Turnout up slightly, still about 20%

2026 Nevada primary election results live blog

2026 Primary Candidate List and Results

Below is a breakdown of current results for the federal, state, and select local races. Results will be updated periodically, keep an eye out for updated numbers. You may also click on a candidate's name to view their campaign website.