Opening remarks
It’s our favorite season, Campaign Season!
Campaign season is in full swing! Large 4x8 campaign signs have cropped up on most busy intersections in Nevada and smaller signs are popping up in your neighbors' yards. It’s also Spring, which means the Windy Season in the state. Many candidates find themselves chasing down, rehanging or repairing their damaged assets.
A campaign tool not quite as susceptible to the wind is the airwaves (no pun intended). Last night as I watched the news, a pro John Lee for Governor ad came on telling me how great a conservative he was, immediately followed by an ad that discredited his conservative record.
Our phones are ringing off the hook with energetic new candidates and incumbents that want to meet and ask for financial support. It’s great. We get to learn a lot about them and discuss what’s important to our clients. We really enjoy this part of the job.
It’s also polling season so next time your phone rings and it’s a number you don’t recognize, answer it and participate. You’ll see later in this roundup a couple stories about recent polls published that give some insight on the statewide races. There are more to come. Next week I’ll have my insights on how polls are conducted and why (sometimes) the information is important to the voter and important to the candidates.
Important Deadlines
| Primary Early Voting | May 28 – June 10 |
| Primary Election | Tuesday June 14, 2022 |
| General Early Voting | October 22 – November 4 |
| General Election | Tuesday November 8, 2022 |
ICYMI
The Cook Political Report changes CD3 and CD4 ratings from “Lean Democratic” to “Toss-Up”
During redistricting and reapportionment last year, the Democratically controlled legislature used a "divide and conquer" strategy when redrawing the congressional district boundaries: divide the democratic stronghold of NV-01 (Dina Titus) in order to strengthen the slight advantage democrats enjoy in NV-03 and NV-04 to ensure a Democratic "conquer" in 2022, though this move, as David Wasserman explains, may instead result in catastrophe:
NV-03: Susie Lee (D) - Parts of Las Vegas, Summerlin
…Republicans appear to be consolidating behind real estate attorney April Becker, who lost a 2020 state senate race by 631 votes and just got GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy's backing. Lee won't lack resources, but it's a Toss Up.
NV-04 Steven Horsford (D) - North Las Vegas, southern "Cow Counties"
If there's a consolation for Horsford, it's that Republicans are headed for a bruising June 14 primary between Assemblywoman Annie Black, who made waves attending the January 6 rally and defying mask mandates at the state capital, and insurance businessman Sam Peters, a retired Air Force major and pro-Trump activist. GOP strategists don't consider either to be out of central casting. But in this climate, even a weak GOP nominee could prevail.
How much money do top Nevada candidates have heading into primary season?
Quarter 1 Contributions and Expense (C&E) reports were due last Friday. In general, fundraising numbers provide insight into just how competitive a campaign expects their race for office may be. While both Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Governor Steve Sisolak have multiple times more money than their top opponents in the respective Republican primaries, the sheer of amount of dollars both campaigns are raising indicate both campaigns expect a tough general election in November.
Results from OH Predictive Insights/Nevada Independent poll:
Healthcare News
Governor Sisolak Hosts Healthcare Provider Summit
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra was the keynote guest speaker and announced that his department will be awarding $1 million to Nevada to assist with the transition to the new 3-digit state suicide prevention hotline: 9-8-8. The state plans to launch 9-8-8 this July. Furthermore, Governor Sisolak announced he plans to allocate $20 million of ARPA funds to open four to six crisis stabilization centers to help address behavior health needs in the state.
First awards From Nevada Opioid Settlement Money Announced
The Nevada Attorney General's Office has announced the first round of disbursements for money from the state's opioid settlement. The state and each signatory to the One Nevada Agreement, the plan for how funds from any opioid-related settlement will be allocated, are set to receive a total of $71.1 million, before costs." Clark County will receive around $26.3 million in settlement funds. Washoe County will receive approximately $3.7 million.
Nevada Health Response to End Regular COVID-19 Media Call
In another sign that the government is transitioning to a post-pandemic routine, the state announced today that it plans is cancelling the recurring COVID-19 call with media. Going forward, the media updates will be scheduled on an as needed basis.
Infrastructure News
Granholm, Lee, Cortez Masto tout Nevada’s role in clean energy
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visited Southern Nevada last week on a tour that highlighted the state's clean energy initiatives and decarbonization efforts. “We’ve got to have a focus as a nation on getting critical materials, critical minerals for the batteries that these electric vehicles will need,” Granholm said. “[Nevada has] a lot of that. And so that is a huge opportunity.”
LVCVA Shortens their Operating Agreement with The Boring Co.
Board members voted 11-1 Tuesday to spend up to $4.5 million for a one-year agreement with Boring from July 1 to June 30, 2023. The board approved the first Loop operations and management agreement on Jan. 12, 2021. The initial term of the agreement is from Feb. 1, 2021, through June 30, and at the time provided for an extension of one additional five-year period. Tuesday’s vote changed the five-year extension.
Circa Sports expanding into the Reno market
The operator of the world’s largest sportsbook in Las Vegas, Circa Sports, secured a deal with Legends Bay Casino owner Olympia Gaming to operate a sportsbook at the property being constructed just east of Reno. Olympia Gaming is targeting a summer opening for its new casino at the Legends at Sparks Marina.
Google to invest $30 million in Nevada
Google announced plans to invest $30 million in Nevada over the rest of 2022, part of a push to put billions of dollars into offices and data centers around the U.S.
State of Nevada launches dashboard tracking relief spending
The State has released a dashboard to allow residents to track how federal relief funds are being spent and allocated throughout the state. So far, the largest spending categories are PreK - 12 Education ($1.35 billion), Direct Payments to Counties and Cities ($890 million) and Housing ($842 million). The state has a little over $1.1 billion left to allocate.
Click here to view the latest program spending in detail.
Environmental News
Federal agency weighs emergency action as Colorado River demand outpaces supply
The river’s two main storage reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, are at historically low levels and operating in uncharted territory. Federal water managers have warned the Colorado River Basin States that they are considering an emergency action that proposes to keep more water in Lake Powell but could accelerate the decline of Lake Mead, potentially risking short-term water cuts. State officials are expected to comment on the federal emergency plan by April 22.
Southwest Gas to explore alternative in Icahn’s bid
“Tendering into Mr. Icahn’s offer would only encourage an opportunistic attempt to acquire Southwest Gas at an inadequate price and contingent upon a long list of ambiguous conditions, some of which Mr. Icahn has made no move to fulfill,” according to a statement by the Las Vegas based utility.
What we’re doing this Interim
The 2021 Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 443, Legislation that fundamentally changed the way the Legislature operates between Sessions. The newly formed Interim Standing Committees have begun meeting, hearing overviews of their mission and setting agendas for the next eleven months.
They continue to meet via video conference but we’re hopeful that by Spring some will begin to meet in person. Click here to view a list of upcoming Joint Interim Standing Committee meetings.
2021 Redistricting Maps
The new boundaries would give 14 of the 21 state Senate districts and 27 of the 42 Assembly districts a voter registration advantage for Democrats over Republicans of more than 4.5 percent.
The Nevada Independent
Please see the links below to view the new district lines for Nevada Assembly, Senate and Congressional delegation.
Opening remarks
Thank you for the great feedback regarding the Roundup! If you ever want to submit a simple piece of information for us to include (and its SFW), please e-mail me: tom@tomclarksolutions.com.
I was pleased to receive my Voter Notification Card from the Washoe County Registrar of Voters. I was going to insert a pic of it, but after redacting ALL of the information I felt it pointless. I wonder how many people (or their puppy) received one by surprise and if it will trigger them to change their party affiliation.
The 2022 candidate list has been updated! Our always dependable, rock star Associate, Zoë Houghton has added the March 2022 voter registration statistics from the Secretary of State’s office. Fun fact: if you click on the name of the candidate you’ll be taken to their website (if it’s available) and you can learn everything (kinda) about them.
If you haven’t watched the Nevada Newsmakers debate hosted by Sam Shad between incumbent Congressman Mark Amodei and Republican Challenger (and Douglas County Commissioner) Danny Tarkanian, you should: Battle for CD2
They came. They filed. They stayed. Now it’s time for candidates to brush up on campaign practices. The Secretary of State has a tool for that: Campaign Guide 2022.
Normally, the date to file your federal taxes is April 15. Thanks to a Washington D.C. holiday, Emancipation Day, the date was moved to the next business day, April 18th. The holiday celebrates legislation passed in 1862 that ended slavery in Washington. However, April 15th is still an exciting day in Nevada Politics: Campaign Contribution and Expense (C&E) Reports are due.
Important Deadlines
| Primary Early Voting | May 28 – June 10 |
| Primary Election | Tuesday June 14, 2022 |
| General Early Voting | October 22 – November 4 |
| General Election | Tuesday November 8, 2022 |
ICYMI
Lawmakers OK $600 Million in American Rescue Plan Spending
The Nevada Independent provided a great overview of the most discussed items during last week’s Interim Finance Committee. “The state has $1.3 billion in unobligated funds out of the $2.7 billion in ARP state general aid.” (I’m going to miss Vice Chair Carlton's ability to analogize fiscal procedures to baseball. Catchers and pitchers apply to state funds too! - Zoë)
Governor Sisolak's Dignitary Protection Detail Adds Three Positions
The State Board of Examiners, a panel that ratifies and oversees state contracts and spending, unanimously approved a funding request for three new dignitary protection positions assigned to Governor Sisolak amid a rise in verbal and physical threats toward public officials across the nation.
Bidens Boos Bolster GOP in Nevada according to RGJ Poll
According to a Suffolk University/Reno Gazette Journal poll released on Tuesday, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Governor Steve Sisolak are trailing their Republican rivals for their seats. “Any time an incumbent polls under 50%, he or she is deemed vulnerable because they are established brands,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston."
Healthcare News
The Department of Health and Human Services has been allocated $43 million to “support behavioral health needs throughout Nevada.” According to a press release by the Department, the funding, made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is divided into 10 categories, with over 40 organizations receiving funds.
Infrastructure News
Reno-Tahoe International Airport to upgrade concourses, add parking in $1 billion project
This expansion project, dubbed MoreRNO, will be the largest construction project undertaken by the airport; the first phase of construction will be the ticketing area expansion and roadway upgrade and are expected to break ground this fall.
Last Thursday, Governor Sisolak formally launched his “Home Means Nevada” initiative in Las Vegas after Nevada lawmakers approved half of the planned $500 million investment during the Interim Finance Committee meeting.
Workforce report identifies the most in-demand jobs/industries in Southern Nevada
According to a regional "2022 Workforce Blueprint" released last week, the top 5 "high demand occupations" for Southern Nevada are software developers, civil engineers, managers, and veterinarians.
The report lists the following as target industries within Southern Nevada: general and advanced manufacturing, creative industries, information and communication technologies, transportation and logistics technologies, business and financial services, health care services and clean technologies.
Environmental News
Western U.S. housing crisis leads some to live on public lands
"A super-charged housing market has pushed yet another wave of people to live on Western public lands. Andres says it’s different than the economic downturn 14 years ago. This time, it's not just people losing their jobs, but instead includes many gainfully employed people who simply can’t find an affordable place to live."
What we’re doing this Interim
The 2021 Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 443, Legislation that fundamentally changed the way the Legislature operates between Sessions. The newly formed Interim Standing Committees have begun meeting, hearing overviews of their mission and setting agendas for the next eleven months.
They continue to meet via video conference but we’re hopeful that by Spring some will begin to meet in person. Click here to view a list of upcoming Joint Interim Standing Committee meetings.
2021 Redistricting Maps
The new boundaries would give 14 of the 21 state Senate districts and 27 of the 42 Assembly districts a voter registration advantage for Democrats over Republicans of more than 4.5 percent.
The Nevada Independent
Please see the links below to view the new district lines for Nevada Assembly, Senate and Congressional delegation.
Opening remarks
Greetings from our nation’s Capitol. The city is active with well-dressed staffers, lobbyists and the public walking on the sunny sides of the streets. It’s a bit chilly and dry. I’m told that the atmosphere is the same inside the granite and marble buildings that surround us.
I have the pleasure of attending the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce Washington D.C. “Fly-In” event and we are busy meeting with and learning from many D.C. insiders.
The morning was kicked off by profound remarks from U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murphy. He was followed by a couple members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce team and Jeff Oliver from the U.S. Interagency on Homelessness.
Later today, we are meeting with our U.S. Senators, attending a reception hosted by former Nevada Congressman and lobbyist, Jon Porter and his team; we are finishing the day at Capital One Area to watch an NBA game between the Wizards and the Bulls. I’ve spent a lot of time on “the hill” but it will be the first opportunity for me to attend a professional basketball game.
We have a full day tomorrow as well, including remarks from former NV Lieutenant Governor Kate Marshall. She stepped down from the post last year after President Biden appointed her as Senior Advisor to Governors within the White House.
In the Silver State, today marks the last day for candidates who filed for office to withdraw their candidacy. Cue The Clash – Should I Stay or Should I Go? We will have a full report on who's innit-to-winnit next week. To view the entire list of candidates, including those who have already withdrawn, check out our 2022 Election page on our website.
Important Deadlines
| Primary Early Voting | May 28 – June 10 |
| Primary Election | Tuesday June 14, 2022 |
| General Early Voting | October 22 – November 4 |
| General Election | Tuesday November 8, 2022 |
ICYMI
Glenn Leavitt withdraws from SD20 race.
This leaves Jeff Stone as the lone Republican candidate in a race for a district where nearly 41% of its residents are registered Republicans. (25.2% D, 40.7% R, 26.0% NP). Other candidates in this race include Daniel Patterson (NP), Brent Foutz (D) and Brandon Mills (Libertarian).
reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada/leavitt-withdraws-from-state-senate-race-2550819/
The Senate confirmed Clark County District Court Judge Cristina Silva and UNLV law professor Anne Traum to join the U.S. District Court in Nevada.
thenevadaindependent.com/article/indy-dc-download-unlv-professor-state-court-judge-confirmed-to-federal-bench
Political News
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto reserves $10 million in ad space for upcoming midterm election.
"The two-month ad reservation, which runs from Labor Day in September to Election Day, is more than President Joe Biden’s campaign spent in Nevada in the 2020 election."
thenevadaindependent.com/article/cortez-masto-reserves-record-smashing-10-million-for-ads-in-elections-final-stretch
Washoe County Board of Commissioners vote to institute paper ballots and law enforcement monitoring polls for upcoming midterm elections fails 4-1.
"After a marathon seven-hour public comment period..."
rgj.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/03/21/washoe-county-board-take-up-controversial-herman-election-proposal/7123717001/
Recall effort withdrawn against Washoe commissioner Hartung; Beadles vows to resubmit
Beadles is also leading the charge for the recall effort of Angie Taylor, Washoe County School Board president.
rgj.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/03/25/recall-effort-withdrawn-against-washoe-county-commissioner-hartung/7170260001/
Economic News
State tax collections running ahead of predictions
Joint Interim Revenue Committee members were told last week that General Fund revenue streams have brought in a total of $2.75 billion year to date, 32.6% more than projected for the first six to eight months of this fiscal year.
nnbw.com/news/2022/mar/24/nevada-tax-collections-running-ahead-predictions-n/
Nevada added a net 6,300 jobs in February, decreasing the unemployment rate to 5.1%.
reviewjournal.com/local/local-nevada/nevada-adds-6k-jobs-in-february-as-economic-recovery-from-pandemic-continues-2551481/
US seeks new Lithium sources.
elkodaily.com/mining/us-seeks-new-lithium-sources-as-demand-for-batteries-grows/article_43ce2941-9186-5e29-9700-90649bf03693.html
What we’re doing this Interim
The 2021 Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 443, Legislation that fundamentally changed the way the Legislature operates between Sessions. The newly formed Interim Standing Committees have begun meeting, hearing overviews of their mission and setting agendas for the next eleven months.
They continue to meet via video conference but we’re hopeful that by Spring some will begin to meet in person. Click here to view a list of upcoming Joint Interim Standing Committee meetings.
2021 Redistricting Maps
The new boundaries would give 14 of the 21 state Senate districts and 27 of the 42 Assembly districts a voter registration advantage for Democrats over Republicans of more than 4.5 percent.
The Nevada Independent
Please see the links below to view the new district lines for Nevada Assembly, Senate and Congressional delegation.
Opening remarks
Candidate filing is over! The last day to file for public office was March 18.
Below is a breakdown of how many people filed this year:
for a total of 321 candidates!
If that sounds like a lot of people vying public office, that’s because it is. According to official records from the Secretary of State’s office, this year’s gubernatorial race will have the most crowded primary field Nevada has seen in at least six decades: 15 people are seeking the Republican gubernatorial nomination, two for the Democratic nomination (after Tom Collins filed to primary incumbent Gov. Sisolak), three non-partisan candidates, and one Independent American for a total of 22 people throwing their hat in the ring to be Nevada's next governor.
Though candidate filing is officially over, the dust has not settled. Candidates have until March 29th to Though candidate filing is officially over, the dust has not settled. Candidates have until March 29th to withdraw their candidacy. Some may even switch races. Who will stay? Who will go? Who will switch? Time will tell. For all the latest developments, check out our running 2022 candidate list as we continue to update it regularly throughout this election cycle.
Important Deadlines
| Primary Early Voting | May 28 – June 10 |
| Primary Election | Tuesday June 14, 2022 |
| General Early Voting | October 22 – November 4 |
| General Election | Tuesday November 8, 2022 |
ICYMI
Michele Fiore rescinds her candidacy for governor, announces her run for state treasurer.
Michele Fiore announces surprise run for treasurer (ktnv.com)
Danny Tarkanian files for CD2, primarying Mark Amodei.
In unexpected move, Danny Tarkanian files to run for Congress in Nevada’s 2nd District - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper
Cresent Hardy files at the last minute for CD1.
Cresent Hardy, Danny Tarkanian surprise election filings in Nevada | Las Vegas Review-Journal (reviewjournal.com)
Political News
Nye County clerk unable to institute paper ballot only policy for 2022 election against Nye County Commission’s wishes.
Nye County clerk: No time to eliminate electronic balloting - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper
Economic News
New Hospital in Reno to open Spring 2022.
Reno's Newest Hospital on Track to Open This Spring | Nevada News | US News
New annual $0.75 minimum wage increase starting July 1st through 2024.
Nevada’s minimum wage to increase July 1 (kolotv.com)
Reno ranked as America's best job market for opportunity and growth and ranked #2 in the most affordable places to live and work in the U.S.
2022’s Most Affordable Places to Live in the US | GoodHire
What we’re doing this Interim
The 2021 Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 443, Legislation that fundamentally changed the way the Legislature operates between Sessions. The newly formed Interim Standing Committees have begun meeting, hearing overviews of their mission and setting agendas for the next eleven months.
They continue to meet via video conference but we’re hopeful that by Spring some will begin to meet in person. Click here to view a list of upcoming Joint Interim Standing Committee meetings.
2021 Redistricting Maps
The new boundaries would give 14 of the 21 state Senate districts and 27 of the 42 Assembly districts a voter registration advantage for Democrats over Republicans of more than 4.5 percent.
The Nevada Independent
Please see the links below to view the new district lines for Nevada Assembly, Senate and Congressional delegation.
Opening remarks
On this day, the “Ides of March” in 44 BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated, stabbed to death at a meeting of the Senate.
The last day to file for office in Nevada is this Friday. I wonder, is there a Brutus, Cassius or other conspirator among them? A candidate that will cast, not a knife, but a majority vote that takes down an incumbent.
I’m sure you’ve already seen campaign signs popping up in neighborhoods and a litany of TV and social media ads. I witnessed a digital billboard for a candidate this morning.
You can see the updated list of candidates and keep an eye out after Friday as many candidates will change their minds and we’ll make note.
This is going to be an epic Election Season!
Important Deadlines
| Candidate Filing Period | March 7 – March 18, 2022 |
| Primary Election | Tuesday June 14, 2022 |
| Primary Early Voting | May 28 – June 10 |
| General Election | Tuesday November 8, 2022 |
| General Early Voting | October 22 – November 4 |
ICYMI
Governor Sisolak is getting primaried.
Tom Collins filed yesterday with the SOS office as a Democratic candidate for Governor. Happy pie day Sisolak?
twitter.com/RileySnyder/status/1503394911902601222
COVID-19 is ‘becoming endemic,’ state official says, as metrics continue decline
State officials said last Thursday that they would stop reporting daily COVID numbers, shifting to a new era of the pandemic when state and local agencies only report numbers once a week, on Wednesdays.
reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/clark-county/covid-19-is-becoming-endemic-state-official-says-as-metrics-continue-decline-2543064/
Robert Beadles is wealthy, new to town and wants to upend Reno's politics. Who is he?
This is an in-depth piece by the RGJ's local government reporter Mark Robinson on the person at the center of recall efforts for Washoe County Commission Chair Vaughn Hartung and Washoe County School Board President Angie Taylor as well as the controversial election process overhaul introduced by Commissioner Herman last month.
rgj.com/story/news/2022/03/14/robert-beadles-california-washoe-county-politics/9419737002
Political News
Dem poll: Lombardo leads GOP gov primary, but support looks soft
According to a new poll paid for by the Democratic Governors Association, Joe Lombardo polled at 26%, with Dean Heller and John Lee at 13%, followed by Joey Gilbert at 12% and Michele Fiore at 8%. However, the poll leader was “not sure” at 27%.
thenevadaindependent.com/article/dem-poll-lombardo-leads-gop-gov-primary-but-support-looks-soft
Judge rules sales, gaming tax petitions must be taken off 2022 ballot
A Carson City District Judge has ruled that the two Clark County Education Association tax initiatives aimed at hiking the gaming and sales tax be taken off the 2022 ballot, reversing Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske’s plan to leave them on the ballot. The Nevada Independent has a comprehensive background on the saga that are these ballot initiatives. Furthermore, Nevada Independent assistant editor Riley Snyder reported today that the SOS office intends to appeal the ruling.
Judge blocks GOP-backed redistricting lawsuit for 2022 election
Last week, Senior District Judge Robert Estes said in a ruling that it would be “not fair” to interrupt the ongoing election process and two-week candidate filing period, and that the “election is going to proceed” under the boundary lines adopted after November’s special legislative session.
thenevadaindependent.com/article/judge-blocks-gop-backed-redistricting-lawsuit-for-2022-election
Economic News
Nevada's unemployment rate falls to 5.2 percent
nnbw.com/news/2022/mar/09/nevadas-unemployment-rate-falls-52-percent-nnbw/
State department heads told to plan flat budgets
During last Wednesday's “Budget Kickoff”, state agencies were told that Gov. Steve Sisolak is planning a flat budget for the coming biennium. That means agencies are capped at two times their legislatively approved 2023 fiscal year budget.
nnbw.com/news/2022/mar/10/Nevada-agency-heads-biennium-flat-budgets-nnbw/
Sisolak pledges more help on affordable housing, trumpets half-billion housing investment
rgj.com/story/news/politics/2022/03/10/sisolak-shares-500-million-affordable-housing-proposal-reno-stop/6992470001/
What we’re doing this Interim
The 2021 Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 443, Legislation that fundamentally changed the way the Legislature operates between Sessions. The newly formed Interim Standing Committees have begun meeting, hearing overviews of their mission and setting agendas for the next eleven months.
They continue to meet via video conference but we’re hopeful that by Spring some will begin to meet in person. Click here to view a list of upcoming Joint Interim Standing Committee meetings.
2021 Redistricting Maps
The new boundaries would give 14 of the 21 state Senate districts and 27 of the 42 Assembly districts a voter registration advantage for Democrats over Republicans of more than 4.5 percent.
The Nevada Independent
Please see the links below to view the new district lines for Nevada Assembly, Senate and Congressional delegation.
Opening remarks
Day one of candidate filing is complete and, much like past First Filing Days there weren’t a lot of surprise candidates. There are ten days left to file and I’m sure there are many potential candidates out there mulling the opportunity to be on the ballot. We’ll keep you posted on our up-to-the-minute (or as we see them) reports.
Candidate Filing Commentary
Shea Backus is back and has filed for the seat she lost to Republican Andy Mathews in 2020. Mathews is not seeking re-election because he is running for State Controller. Democrats hold a little more than 3% voter registration in this District. Jacob Deaville filed as a Republican in the seat. He lost to Mathews in the 2020 Primary.
Republican Bill Hockstedler from Pahrump has joined the fight to unseat U.S. Senator Cortez Masto. The Primary Election field includes former NV Attorney General and Gubernatorial candidate Adam Laxalt and newcomer Sam Brown. Brown is expected to file soon.
The race for Lieutenant Governor is getting interesting. As I write this four Republicans, one Democrat and an Independent American have filed for the job. The sitting Lt. Gov., Lisa Cano Burkhead (appointed to fill the seat after Kate Marshall joined POTUS) is expected to file soon creating a race for the Democratic nomination. I’ll have more insight soon on why this will be an important race to watch this year.
Important Deadlines
| Candidate Filing Period | March 7 – March 18, 2022 |
| Primary Election | Tuesday June 14, 2022 |
| Primary Early Voting | May 28 – June 10 |
| General Election | Tuesday November 8, 2022 |
| General Early Voting | October 22 – November 4 |
ICYMI
Reno Gazette Journal Opinion Pieces by Candidates
RGJ is hosting opinion columns submitted by the 2022 Candidates themselves. Currently, the RGJ has received columns from GOP Gubernatorial candidates Joey Gilbert, John Lee and Guy Nohra and GOP Secretary of State Candidate Gerard Ramalho. View the entire RGJ list here.
Political News
Senate Ads
Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto begins airing the first wave of TV ads for her re-election campaign today. They focus on the local impact of federal COVID relief efforts in the tourism and hospitality sectors of Nevada.
Click the links below to view these on Youtube.
“Led the Fight”
“Spoke Up for Us”
GOP U.S Senate candidate Adam Laxalt began airing his ads last week, with his message focusing on how “America has had enough of being told what to say, what to think, what to do.” Click the link below to watch the full ad.
Related article: Cortez Masto campaign buys first TV ads as re-election bid ramps up
Economic News
Gaming Control Board OK’s New York media company investment into MGM Resorts International.
Update on the newest Las Vegas Strip Property-Resorts World.
Bill would raise slot jackpot tax report threshold to $5,000.
Gold hits $2,000 an ounce.
What we’re doing this Interim
The 2021 Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 443, Legislation that fundamentally changed the way the Legislature operates between Sessions. The newly formed Interim Standing Committees have begun meeting, hearing overviews of their mission and setting agendas for the next eleven months.
They continue to meet via video conference but we’re hopeful that by Spring some will begin to meet in person. Click here to view a list of upcoming Joint Interim Standing Committee meetings.
2021 Redistricting Maps
The new boundaries would give 14 of the 21 state Senate districts and 27 of the 42 Assembly districts a voter registration advantage for Democrats over Republicans of more than 4.5 percent.
The Nevada Independent
Please see the links below to view the new district lines for Nevada Assembly, Senate and Congressional delegation.
Opening remarks
Monday, March 7 is the day that we'll begin to see who is really committed to running for office in the many, many races across our state. I invite you to follow along on our website as we update the candidate filing list on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. Lines will form at the Secretary of State, County and City offices, selfies will be taken and candidates will post pics of them signing their declarations.
FUN!
Who will jump in with both feet? Who will hold off until March 18th? Might there be some that jump in only to change their mind and jump out? 🐸
We love this time of year and look forward to providing comprehensive coverage of the events as they unfold. Please feel free to contact any member of Team Tom Clark Solutions if you have any questions or just want to sound off.
Tom Clark
Paul Young
Zoe Houghton
-Tom
Important Deadlines
| Candidate Filing Period | March 7 – March 18, 2022 |
| Primary Election | Tuesday June 14, 2022 |
| Primary Early Voting | May 28 – June 10 |
| General Election | Tuesday November 8, 2022 |
| General Early Voting | October 22 – November 4 |
ICYMI
GOP PAC Targets Southern NV Dems
Stronger NV PAC, led by former GOP Lt. Governor Hutch, named the 2022 races they are targeting for flipping from D to R:
Check out the complete list of the 2022 candidates on our website: 2022 Election Candidate List | Tom Clark Solutions
4 Hours of Public Comment Later...
Despite Commissioner Jeanne Herman's (R) controversial election proposal being pulled from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners February 22nd meeting agenda, rows of people showed up to the meeting to provide over 4 hours of public comment on the matter.
A majority of the commenters spoke in support of Herman's proposal, including GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Joey Gilbert. You can watch a replay of the meeting here.
Herman told the RGJ she has resubmitted her proposal with the intention of being placed on the March 8 agenda; however, the County announced yesterday that Chair Hartung and Vice Chair Hill have requested a cross-departmental review of the proposal which will not be completed in time for the March 8 meeting.
Read more: National Guard removed, sheriff's deputies added to Washoe County election plan
Political News
Legislative Commission Approves Election Regulations, Rainchecks Mining Education Tax
The Legislative Commission, a bipartisan group of 12 state legislators charged with approving proposed regulations by state agencies, held their fourth meeting of the interim yesterday and discussed a slew of election regulations proposed by the Secretary of State's office. Most were approved with bipartisan support, but certainly not all.
The other 🔥hot topic🔥 regulation on the agenda was from the Tax Commission regarding the implementation of the mining education tax passed last session. Chair Yeager deferred this regulation to a future meeting, citing no reason other than it was his discretion as chair.
Related article: Lawmakers split on regulations enshrining switch to mostly mail election
Laxalt's FEC Inquiry
Adam Laxalt's Campaign team has until the end of this month to respond to an inquiry from the Federal Election Commission regarding discrepancies in his year-end contributions & expenditures report. Copy of the FEC letter.
Economic News
"Nevada on the Move"
Governor Sisolak provided an off-year State of State Address last week, dubbed "Nevada on the Move", to lay out his priorities in investing federal and state dollars as the state continues its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The main theme of the speech was keeping Nevada a low tax state and heavily emphasized he has no plans to increase taxes. (Unless you're an industry that rhymes with schmining.) Below are some of the major dollar investments the Governor announced:
Read more details about the speech and the GOPs rebuttal here.
What we’re doing this Interim
The 2021 Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 443, Legislation that fundamentally changed the way the Legislature operates between Sessions. The newly formed Interim Standing Committees have begun meeting, hearing overviews of their mission and setting agendas for the next eleven months.
They continue to meet via video conference but we’re hopeful that by Spring some will begin to meet in person. Click here to view a list of upcoming Joint Interim Standing Committee meetings.
2021 Redistricting Maps
The new boundaries would give 14 of the 21 state Senate districts and 27 of the 42 Assembly districts a voter registration advantage for Democrats over Republicans of more than 4.5 percent.
The Nevada Independent
Please see the links below to view the new district lines for Nevada Assembly, Senate and Congressional delegation.
Opening remarks
I have mentioned previously that choosing to endorse a candidate prior to the formal “Candidate Filing Period” can be a mistake. A new, “better” candidate can jump in a race, the candidate can decide not to run or they can decide to run for something else.
Ellen Spiegel, former Nevada Assemblywoman and State Senate Candidate was running for Secretary of State. On Wednesday last week she decided that she’d rather run for State Controller.
Don’t forget, we have a running list of candidates here: 2022 Election Candidate List | Tom Clark Solutions
-Tom
Important Deadlines
| Candidate Filing Period | March 7 – March 18, 2022 |
| Primary Election | Tuesday June 14, 2022 |
| Primary Early Voting | May 28 – June 10 |
| General Election | Tuesday November 8, 2022 |
| General Early Voting | October 22 – November 4 |
ICYMI
Welcome to the party
Douglas County Commissioner Danny Tarkanian is considering whether to challenge Rep. Mark Amodei for the 2nd Congressional District seat. He told The Nevada Independent last week that he would not enter the race unless he feels good about it.
When asked about Tarkanian considering a run, the straight-talking Amodei responded by saying, “It’s America.”
Amodei, who has represented the Northern Nevada district for a little more than a decade, said he had heard Tarkanian had “been kicking tires or getting ready to run or something.”
“In this business, it’s always healthy to remind yourself, ‘Hey, last time I checked anyhow, it’s America. If somebody wants to run for office, they can run for office,’” Amodei said in a brief interview. “The House of Representatives, they have a personnel session every 24 months. And so if somebody thinks that they’ve got a better mousetrap, then those are the avenues available to them.”
Tarkanian had been a perennial unsuccessful GOP candidate until he won his seat on the Douglas County Commission in 2020.
— Humberto Sanchez & Jannelle Calderon
Political News
Governor Sisolak to provide post-covid recovery plan in special address
Gov. Steve Sisolak will lay out Nevada’s vision for a post-COVID-19 recovery and detail plans for spending billions of dollars in federal pandemic assistance during an off-year State of the State speech tomorrow.
www.rgj.com/story/news/politics/2022/02/17/nevada-governor-steve-sisolak-post-covid-recovery-plan-special-address/6834999001/
Commissioner Herman's election proposal halted
Washoe County Commissioner Jeanne Herman requested a resolution proposing sweeping changes to the county’s election system, including a transition to almost all paper ballots and a measure to ensure Nevada National Guard members are stationed at each polling and ballot box location, was pulled from today's meeting agenda following legal advice from the County DA. www.rgj.com/story/news/2022/02/21/controversial-election-plan-pulled-washoe-county-agenda/6887290001/
What we’re doing this Interim
The 2021 Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 443, Legislation that fundamentally changed the way the Legislature operates between Sessions. The newly formed Interim Standing Committees have begun meeting, hearing overviews of their mission and setting agendas for the next eleven months.
They continue to meet via video conference but we’re hopeful that by Spring some will begin to meet in person. Click here to view a list of upcoming Joint Interim Standing Committee meetings.
2021 Redistricting Maps
The new boundaries would give 14 of the 21 state Senate districts and 27 of the 42 Assembly districts a voter registration advantage for Democrats over Republicans of more than 4.5 percent.
The Nevada Independent
Please see the links below to view the new district lines for Nevada Assembly, Senate and Congressional delegation.
I hope you enjoyed the Super Bowl, were pampered on Valentine’s Day and have taken some time to watch the Olympics.
I love these guys!
This week we provide information on the ballot questions, confirmed, and proposed, that could very well be the driver for getting people to the polls (or mailbox) in November. It’s not always the names on the ballot that entice people to vote. Ballot questions can provide the emotional tie to issues that are more important than people. There hasn’t been a lot of media coverage and active campaigning on these issues, but I think that will soon change.
Even if organizers of an initiative fail to garner the necessary signatures to qualify for the ballot, the content will be debated and candidates will be judged on their position (if they take one).
-Tom
On the Ballot
Below are the four questions that are known to be on the 2022 Ballot. They have not been assigned question numbers. For more details on each of the questions, click the Subject name to read the respective Ballotpedia page.
| Subject | Type | Description | Effective Date[1] | Submitted Language |
| Gaming Tax increase | Statutory Initiative | Imposes a 9.75% license fee on nonrestricted gaming licensees’ gross revenue in excess of $250k/month | November 22, 2022 | S-01-2020 |
| Local School Support Tax Increase | Statutory Initiative | Raises both the Sales and Use tax rates from 2.25% to 3.75% for the Local School Support Tax. | January 1, 2023 | S-02-2020 |
| Equal Rights Amendment | NVLeg referred Constitutional Amendment | Proposes to amend the NV Constitution by adding a guarantee that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by this state on account of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin | Upon passage and approval | SJR8 of 2019 Legislative Session |
| Minimum Wage increase | NVLeg referred Constitutional Amendment | Proposes to amend the NV Constitution to set the minimum wage at $12/hr worked regardless of whether the employer provides health benefits | July 1, 2024 | AJR10 of the 2019 Legislative Session |
These Wanna Get on the Ballot
The following initiatives have been filed with the Secretary of State’s Office within the last several months. Before qualifying for the 2022 Ballot, each initiative must pass several checkpoints, namely gathering 140,777 signatures from across the whole state.
Further details of the following proposed ballot questions can be found on the Nevada Secretary of States website: 2022 Petitions & General Election Ballot Questions
If the following constitutional initiatives are approved by voters at the November 2022 and November 2024 General Elections, the provisions of the Initiatives would become effective on the fourth Tuesday of November 2024 (November 26, 2024), when the votes are canvassed by the Supreme Court.
The Nevada Independent partnered with OH Predictive Insights to run a poll on how Nevadans feel about real and potential questions on the ballot. Poll: Voters favor gaming tax hike, split on open primaries
Open Primaries & Ranked Choice Voting
Independent Redistricting Commission
Voter ID Verification
School Vouchers – Congressional Amendment
As a statutory initiative, the proposal first needs signatures from nearly 141,000 voters statewide, one quarter of the total from each congressional district. Signed petitions would go initially to counties for signature verification in late November, then to the secretary of state for certification.
If it qualifies, the initiative would go to the Legislature in 2023, becoming law if lawmakers approve it. It would then go before voters if the Legislature rejects it or takes no action.
“The Community School Districts Initiative”
School Vouchers – Statutory Initiative
A referendum seeks to approve or disapprove an existing state or local law. If the law subject to the referendum is approved by the voters, the law remains as is and cannot be changed in the future except by a direct vote of the people. If the law subject to the referendum is disapproved, the law becomes void and of no effect.
Repeal of Mail-In Ballot Measures
Just in case you missed it
Mark Z. Barabak, columnist for the LA Times sums up the battle inside the Nevada Democratic Party that could be detrimental to incumbents in the Silver State: A fight among Nevada Democrats is putting the party’s control of Congress in peril
Ranking the States Demographically, from Most Republican-Friendly to Most Democratic-Friendly – Sabato’s Crystal Ball
Political News
On February 10th, 2022, Governor Sisolak lifted the statewide mask mandate.
Economic News
Nevada Housing market.
thenevadaindependent.com/article/nevadans-grapple-with-punishing-rent-hikes-even-as-economy-rebounds
vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/2022/feb/14/against-all-odds-the-souther-nevada-housing-market/
Gaming Control Board recommends approval for Apollo Global Management, Inc.’s acquisition of the Venetian, Palazzo, etc.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/control-board-recommends-approval-for-apollos-acquisition-of-venetian-2523229/
2021 Redistricting Maps
The new boundaries would give 14 of the 21 state Senate districts and 27 of the 42 Assembly districts a voter registration advantage for Democrats over Republicans of more than 4.5 percent.
The Nevada Independent
Please see the links below to view the new district lines for Nevada Assembly, Senate and Congressional delegation.
We are one month away from the first big event of the 2022 Election Cycle: Candidate Filing begins on March 7, 2022 and continues through March 18, 2022. Months and months of speculation, rumor and gamesmanship will finally be decided, and we’ll know exactly who will be running for office, who will face a challenger in the June Primary Election and who will go unchallenged.
We love this time of year!
The rumor mill is churning, and it can be difficult to know what’s real. We haven’t been reporting on the rumors, but we do add names to our running list of candidates when we hear them. We will be updating the list hourly during the filing period so you may want to bookmark the webpage.
Just in case you missed it:
The Republican candidates for Secretary of State debated in Reno on February 3 at the Atlantis in Reno. You gotta watch this.
Ballot Measures
We are working on a detailed list of the ever growing number of ballot measures that will or could be on the November ballot. For now we’ll be posting stories and view points as they are announced.
School Voucher Déjà Vu
nevadacurrent.com/2022/02/02/private-school-voucher-debate-poised-for-comeback-could-be-decided-by-voters
Political News
Tisha Black announced Monday that she is running for Attorney General as a Republican and will run in a primary against Sigal Chattah. Read Chattah’s statement on her new primary opponent here. Learn more about Tisha Black here.
The Nevada Independent released poll results last week on the congressional races, statewide races and several proposed ballot measures. The poll was conducted as an online opt-in panel survey of 755 registered voters in Nevada from Jan. 19-26. See highlights below.
Laxalt Continues to Spread the Big Lie in statewide campaign tour.
rgj.com/story/news/2022/02/04/adam-laxalt-doubles-down-2020-election-lie-campaign-stop/6668116001/
Economic News
Office of Energy report: Nevada targets 50 percent clean renewable energy by 2030
carsonnow.org/story/01/30/2022/nevada-governor-s-office-energy-releases-status-energy-report
2021 Redistricting Maps
The new boundaries would give 14 of the 21 state Senate districts and 27 of the 42 Assembly districts a voter registration advantage for Democrats over Republicans of more than 4.5 percent.
The Nevada Independent
Please see the links below to view the new district lines for Nevada Assembly, Senate and Congressional delegation.