Teresa Benitez-Thompson Wins Nevada 2nd Congressional District and Aaron Ford Elected Governor
Former Assembly Majority Leader Teresa Benitez-Thompson captured Northern Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District, defeating small-business owner David Flippo in a closely watched battleground where President Donald Trump previously won by double digits in 2024.
Benitez-Thompson campaigned on affordability and bringing federal dollars back to Nevada after Rep. Mark Amodei announced his retirement.
Aaron Ford Elected First Black Governor West of the Mississippi
Attorney General Aaron Ford secured the state’s highest executive office, defeating Gov. Joe Lombardo to become the first elected Black governor west of the Mississippi River. Ford campaigned by tying Lombardo to President Trump and criticizing the sitting governor’s record-breaking vetoes. Lombardo defended his administration’s record on healthcare, education, housing, and the economy, arguing he needed four more years to complete his agenda.
Mathis-Coleman, a staffer in outgoing treasurer Zach Conine’s office, raised nearly twice as much as policy analyst Drew Johnson and won endorsements from major state unions including Culinary Workers Union Local 226.
Michelle Romero Secures Second Mayoral Term
Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero fended off a challenge from former police chief Hollie Chadwick to secure a second term. Romero led Chadwick significantly in fundraising and carried endorsements from three Henderson council members, the Vegas Chamber, and the Southern Nevada Building Trades Union.
In Henderson Ward 3, challenger Jennifer Atlas defeated incumbent Carrie Cox. Atlas, a government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, outspent and outraised Cox during the election cycle following Cox’s tumultuous term.
Legislative races across the region reshaped the state Assembly balance of power:
- Assembly District 41: Teacher and former environmental activist Vinny Spotleson defeated Republican Kelly Chapman for the open, blue-leaning seat.
- Assembly District 37: Assemblywoman Shea Backus won her fourth term, defeating Clark County Republican Party chair Jill Douglass in a key swing district.
- Assembly District 35: Joe Spica, a hotel bellman and Culinary Union member, unseated Republican Assemblywoman Rebecca Edgeworth in a high-spending labor battleground.
- Assembly District 29: Software developer Alex Pereszlenyi won the open Henderson seat, defeating Joe Ludwig after campaigning against corporate donations.
- Assembly District 25: Assemblywoman Selena La Rue Hatch secured a third term in Washoe County, defeating Republican Michael Ginsburg.
Minja Yan Captures Clark County Commission District
Minja Yan captured District F on the Clark County Commission, defeating Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama and former state Sen. Becky Harris. Yan ran without taking corporate donations, adding a progressive voice to the commission.
In North Las Vegas, Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno defeated Councilmember Scott Black in the mayoral race. Election officials and news outlets continue processing remaining ballots for local contests across the state.