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The Nevada Independent

As Delgado decides against secretary of state bid, sources say Araujo will run

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Reno City Councilman Oscar Delgado announced on Thursday that he won't run for Nevada secretary of state, but Democratic insiders says Assemblyman Nelson Araujo is expected to jump into the race next week.

Delgado said in a statement that he appreciated all the encouragement he received on a potential run, but said he wanted to focus on his council responsibilities and his family, including his twin babies.

"While I was certainly excited about the prospect of helping Nevadans on a statewide level, I have decided against making a run," said Delgado, a Democrat. "I know there are some outstanding candidates looking at this race, and I believe that the office of SOS will be well-represented in the years to come."

One of those candidates is two-term assemblyman and Democratic National Committeeman Araujo, who told The Nevada Independent on Thursday that he was seriously considering the secretary of state's race and expects to make a decision next week on whether to run.

Multiple sources say that decision will be a "yes."

Democratic Sen. Pat Spearman, who has also expressed interest in the race, said she is still considering jumping into the race and plans to make a decision soon.

"I'm being very deliberative about this and I just really want to take my time and consider all aspects," she said. 

Asked about Araujo's possible bid, Spearman said her decision wouldn't be shaped by an effort to avoid a primary.

"Quite frankly, my decision to or not to doesn't include anybody else's plans," she said. "That's not important to me."

Meanwhile, Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske reaffirmed this week that she is definitely running and is planning a campaign kickoff on Oct. 24.

The secretary of state is Nevada's chief elections officer, but the role entails a range of other duties, including enforcing state securities laws, issuing business licenses and overseeing notaries public.

This story was updated at 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 14, 2017 to add comment from Sen. Pat Spearman.

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