2026Election Stories

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Indy Elections

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Our reporters take you beyond the sound bites to dig into Nevada politics, delivering scoops and smart analysis on key races and important policy issues.

Progressive Nevada lawmaker draws challenger, as unions accuse him of siding with 'Big Tech'
Assm. Howard Watts (D-Las Vegas) says he's an effective, fair negotiator, even as unions complain about his votes. Dávila says he should be more involved in the district.
Reno's budget is in trouble. Here's how top mayoral candidates say they'll fix it.
The next mayor's term will run until 2030, the same year the city budget is on track for cash flow issues, meaning they'll have less money than they need to comfortably sustain daily operations.
Ad wars begin in Reno's crowded mayoral race

Ad wars begin in Reno's crowded mayoral race

By Mini Racker, Tabitha Mueller, Kate Reynolds, Eric Neugeboren, Isabella Aldrete
In today's edition of Indy Elections: Campaign ad season is upon us. Plus: Rep. Susie Lee talks solar, Rep. Ro Khanna talks AI and, wait, Jamaal Bowman talked in Vegas?
Ford vows repeal of Nevada's 'right-to-work' law if elected governor
Democratic governor candidate's plan would mean workers in unionized workplaces could be forced to pay union dues, reversing a law from 1953.
Anti-film tax credit vote spurs state Senate primary between 2 Latino community fixtures
The race between Sen. Edgar Flores (D-Las Vegas) and North Las Vegas City Councilman Isaac Barron is expected to be one of the most competitive primary races this cycle. Both candidates are community fixtures and are heavily campaigning. The district — which covers parts of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas — skews Democratic, meaning that whoever wins the primary in June is likely to win the general election this fall. 
'Unprecedented:' 2 Las Vegas attorneys will become judges after no one filed against them
Colleen Brown and Emily McFarling credit jump-starting their candidacies early. Longtime court observers said it was a first-time event.
Competitive Nevada treasurer primary has Democratic Party leadership picking sides
Head of an office with about 45 staffers, the treasurer serves as Nevada's chief financial officer. They are charged with overseeing state investments, including a portfolio of about $7 billion, maintaining records of unclaimed property and helping decide when to issue bonds.
Washoe County's top prosecutor has a challenger for the first time. It's getting messy.
District Attorney Chris Hicks (R) is squaring off against Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan (R) in the June primary. Because they are the only candidates, the winner of the primary will automatically win the general election.
Want to vote by mail? Nevada officials say to do it a week early to avoid snafus
State election officials say people should use ballot drop boxes if they plan to use their mail ballot to vote. However, they added that if people want to put their ballot in the mail, they should send it early to ensure it gets counted.
In GOP primary for Nevada attorney general, newcomer challenges familiar face
The race so far has focused more on the candidates' backgrounds, electability and opinions on President Donald Trump than on specific policy positions.
Did Settelmeyer vote to give undocumented immigrants driver's licenses?

Did Settelmeyer vote to give undocumented immigrants driver's licenses?

By Mini Racker, Eric Neugeboren, Tabitha Mueller, Kate Reynolds, Isabella Aldrete
In today's edition of Indy Elections: Who had the best Q1 fundraising? Plus: Settelmeyer's team addresses his record on driving authorizations for undocumented immigrants and what Trump and O'Donnell talked about in Vegas.
Nevada candidates got millions in campaign donations in 2026. Who is backing them?

Nevada candidates got millions in campaign donations in 2026. Who is backing them?

By Eric Neugeboren, Mini Racker, Oona Milliken
The Indy broke down the numbers in notable races, including two incumbent state lawmakers down to union-backed challengers and close contests in Washoe County.
How a Clark County GOP primary became the ugliest race in Nevada
Two Republican candidates for Clark County Commission are jockeying for a seat held by a Democrat. The Indy takes a deeper look.
Can Alexis Hill do the impossible? On the trail with the underdog Democrat for Nevada governor
Outraised and ignored by Attorney General Aaron Ford, the two-term Washoe commissioner is hoping her grassroots campaign can make Nevada history.
'You're welcome:' Trump visits Vegas to tout no tax on tips

'You're welcome:' Trump visits Vegas to tout no tax on tips

By Kate Reynolds, Oona Milliken, Mini Racker
In a last-minute trip to the state, the president emphasized new tax cuts and tariffs while downplaying the ongoing Iran war.
Which Nevada candidates have raised the most money so far in 2026?

Which Nevada candidates have raised the most money so far in 2026?

By Eric Neugeboren, Tabitha Mueller, Mini Racker
Gov. Joe Lombardo has a commanding fundraising advantage, while battles are emerging in contests for other statewide seats.
Could spiking gas prices help Democrats flip Nevada's governor seat?
Gas is nearly $5 a gallon, and Attorney General Aaron Ford has seized on the price to criticize Gov. Joe Lombardo. Experts say such attacks could damage the incumbent.
Trump endorses GOP candidates in 2 swingy Nevada House seats
The president announced his support for video game composer Marty O'Donnell and state Sen. Carrie Buck in two of the state's battleground congressional races.
Amodei describes Trump's Iran war messaging as 'asleep at the communication switch'

Amodei describes Trump's Iran war messaging as 'asleep at the communication switch'

By Mini Racker, Tabitha Mueller, Eric Neugeboren, Kate Reynolds, Oona Milliken
In this week's Indy Elections: Ford gets a lawyer in state ethics investigation, GOP AG candidate calls out SOS and exclusive campaign finance reports.
Meet the council candidates running in Henderson's most-watched local government race
As incumbent Carrie Cox's tension with her colleagues has spiraled into a felony case, two candidates with brand-name endorsements have jumped in the race.