Retail Association of Nevada • www.rannv.org
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2024 Election Playing RAN Field Update Staff Report
S NEVADA GEARS UP FOR ITS LEGISLATIVE races, the state is experiencing a unique mix of political turnover and entrenched partisanship. This election season is marked by an unprecedented number of legislative retirements, signaling a potential shift in the state’s political dialogue. The arrival of new candidates brings hope for fresh ideas and perspectives within the legislature. However, the impact of these new faces is somewhat mitigated by Nevada’s political landscape. The
state’s gerrymandered districts have created a predictability in most legislative races, dominated by a single party. This situation suggests that, despite the influx of new candidates, there is little expectation of a significant shift in the legislative balance of power. This environment raises questions about the competitiveness and health of Nevada’s democratic process, as gerrymandering can stifle diverse political representation and debate. Adding to the political complexity is the situation of Nevada’s Republican governor. With Democrats holding a substantial sway in the legislature, the governor’s ability to shape policy IMPORTANT DATES hinges on flipping at 2024 ELECTION least one entrenched PREFERENCE 06 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION Democratic NEVADA REPUBLICAN seat. This 08 PRESIDENTIAL CAUCUS requirement CANDIDATE FILING BEGINS adds a 04 (CLOSES ON 3/15) strategic PRIMARY ELECTION 11 JUNE dimension to (EARLY VOTING 5/25-6/7) the legislative GENERAL ELECTION 5 2024 (EARLY VOTING 10/19-11/1) races and underscores the intricate FEBRUARY
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balance of power in Nevada, where the ability to veto legislation is crucial for political leverage. Another significant factor in these elections is the proposed amendment to Nevada’s constitution regarding abortion rights. Similar measures in other states have shown to mobilize voters, especially in midterm elections, potentially altering the political landscape. This amendment, if it resonates with voters like similar measures have elsewhere, could pose a challenge to any hopes the Republican governor has of flipping seats. The issue of abortion rights has become a litmus test for many voters, potentially overshadowing other local and state issues and impacting voter turnout and preferences. Furthermore, the influence of national politics on these local races cannot be ignored. The narrative of Trump vs. Biden colors the statelevel political discourse, often overshadowing local issues. This suggests that voter decisions might be influenced more by national sentiments than the specific policies or merits of the candidates. Local candidates, therefore,
must navigate a political landscape where their alignment with national figures can be as critical as their stance on statespecific issues. Nevada’s legislative races in 2024 are a complex mix of new candidates, entrenched political structures, national influences, and crucial state-specific issues like the abortion rights amendment. Despite the significant candidate turnover, the overall partisan makeup of Nevada’s legislature is expected to see little change. These races are a vivid illustration of the nuances and contradictions of Nevada’s political environment, where fresh faces meet established systems and strategic calculations play a key role. As Nevada heads into this pivotal election season, it finds itself at a juncture of potential change and predictable outcomes. The results of these races will not only test individual candidates but will also reflect the broader political dynamics and challenges within the state, shaping Nevada’s political future in significant ways. ■