Democrats are likely to keep Nevada’s Senate
Key Races to Watch
In this outlook, the seat control does not change with the Democrats winning 12 Senate races and the Republicans elect 9 state Senators to the chamber. Districts that are colored dark blue or red are not up for reelection this year.
Nevada’s 8th (Summerlin South) - Leans R
Incumbent: Marilyn Dondero Loop (D)
Challenger: Joey Paulos (R)
Nevada’s 9th (Spring Valley) - Leans D
Incumbent: Melanie Scheible (D)
Challenger: Tina Brown (R)
Challenger: Ana Usma (I)
Nevada’s 12th (Silverado Ranch) - Leans D
Incumbent Party Nominee: Cherlyn Arrington (R)
Challenger Party Nominee: Julie Pazina (D)
Democrats on Defense
Unemployment
POINT ONE
Economists consider a four percent unemployment rate as the target rate for maximum employment. That term means that no person is unemployed due to a recession or an economic slowdown. Though the United States’ unemployment rate is at 3.6% (which is a major factor of inflation), Nevada still has an above average 4.9% unemployment rate. The COVID-19 pandemic had a heavy hit on tourism, which is one of Nevada’s largest industries, and its effects are proving long-lasting in the state. Union workers who were once employed in casinos are finding that their employer shut down their business. Though tourism is bouncing back globally, Las Vegas hasn’t hit record numbers that other cities have. The question of who is to blame for the stubbornly high unemployment rates and what should be done are two of the most prominent questions in this year’s elections.
Affordable Housing
POINT TWO
Nevada, in terms of population, has grown over the past ten years. Much of that growth has accelerated through the pandemic because of the rise of stay-at-home work. Last year, many Californians moved to Nevada to either retire or resettle in a less expensive environment. That demand, though, has quickly priced out many existing Nevadans who are now having to compete with the salary of Californians for affordable renting. In Reno, the influx of demand has caused its prices to be one of the least affordable places to live in the nation. Las Vegas’s suburbs are experiencing similar fluctuations. So far, there has not been much remedy to this issue as homebuilders control a lot of the development and building process. Voters are looking for Nevada’s state legislature, though, to do something.