GOP takes control of Nevada Legislature
CARSON CITY — Republicans took control of the Nevada Legislature for the first time in decades Tuesday, handing GOP Gov. Brian Sandoval a huge political victory as he begins his second term and focuses on an agenda that includes education reform and school choice.
Senate Secretary David Byerman said in a tweet that this will be the first time the governor, Senate majority leader and Assembly speaker will all be Republican since 1929.
The 21-member state Senate was returning to Republican control for the first time since 2007 based on results from Nevada’s general election returns that were not yet complete.
Republicans were also making strong gains in the 42-member Assembly in early returns. Republicans could take the majority away from Democrats, who have controlled it for decades except in 1995 when there was a 21-21 tie.
Sandoval, in remarks at a GOP gathering at Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, noted the party’s potential victories in the Legislature.
In the Senate, Republicans were holding on to an open seat in District 8, formerly held by Barbara Cegavske. Republican Patricia Farley had 57 percent of the vote in early returns, compared to 39 percent for Democratic candidate Marilyn Dondero Loop.
In Senate 9, held by incumbent Democrat Justin Jones, GOP challenger Becky Harris was leading, 57 percent to 43 percent for Jones.
If Republicans pick up Jones’ seat and hold on to their existing seats, Senate control will shift to the GOP with an 11-10 margin. Democrats have held an 11-10 margin in the Senate for the past three legislative sessions.
Senate Minority Leader Michael Roberson, R-Las Vegas, also commented on the stunning performance by GOP legislative candidates.
Byerman also noted that the Senate will actually be divided 10-10 until the Clark County Commission picks a replacement for Sen. Mark Hutchison, R-Las Vegas, who leaves his seat to become lieutenant governor. The all-Democratic commission must pick a Republican to replace Hutchison.
There were predictions that Republicans could regain control of the Senate. But the shocker of the night was in the Assembly, where GOP candidates were leading in 10 seats held by Democrats in early returns. If the GOP candidates win, the 42-member Assembly would shift from a 27-15 Democratic majority to a 25-17 Republican majority.
Nine of the seats are in Clark County, where results were final.
Assembly Minority Leader Pat Hickey, R-Reno, who is expected to now become speaker, said he was pleased with how well his candidates were doing in races across the state.
Republicans needed to pick up seven seats to take a 22-20 majority. They picked up nine seats in Clark and were leading in a 10th in Washoe County. Six Democratic Assembly incumbents lost or were trailing in the vote tallies. Three Assembly Democrats decided to run for other offices and another seat was vacant due to the death of the incumbent.
In Assembly District 5, formerly represented by Dondero Loop, who ran for the Senate, Republican candidate Erv Nelson won over Democrat Jerri Strasser 57 percent to 43 percent. In District 8, Democratic incumbent Jason Frierson lost a close race to GOP challenger John Moore, 49.8 percent to 50.2 percent.
In District 9, formerly held by Democrat Andrew Martin, who ran for controller, Republican candidate David Gardner defeated Democrat Steve Yeager 53 percent to 47 percent.
Jesse Holder, a Democrat in Assembly District 10 found ineligible to run, lost to Republican Shelly Shelton in the open seat, 50.4 percent to 49.6 percent. The seat was open after Democrat Joe Hogan decided not to run for another term. He died last month.
Another pickup came in Assembly District 21, where Democratic incumbent Andy Eisen lost to Republican challenger Derek Armstrong, 50 percent to 46 percent.
In Assembly District 29, Democratic incumbent Lesley Cohen lost to Stephen Silberkraus, 45 percent to 55 percent. Democratic incumbent Skip Daly of Sparks was also trailing Republican Jill Dickman, 45 percent to 55 percent.
In Assembly District 34, Republican Victoria Seaman defeated Democrat Meghan Smith 56 percent to 44 percent. Smith was determined by a judge to be ineligible to run because of a residency issue. And Republican Brent Jones defeated incumbent Democrat James Healey in District 35 by a margin of 53 percent to 47 percent.
In District 41, incumbent Democrat Paul Aizley lost to Republican challenger Vicki Dooling, 44 percent to 56 percent.
Transgender GOP candidate Lauren Scott, seeking to make history by winning District 30 in Reno, was trailing incumbent Democrat Michael Sprinkle.
Review-Journal writer Bethany Barnes contributed to this report. Contact Capital Bureau reporter Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801.
