For the first time since 2017, a republican governor came face-to-face with a Democratic-controlled Nevada legislature in 2023. Tensions were certainly high between the two parties, and we anticipate that level of contention to continue throughout Governor Lombardo’s administration, perhaps escalating. The 2025 Legislative Session has the potential to have a supermajority in both houses to override vetoes from Governor Lombardo, and identifying both Senate and Assembly candidates will be a top priority for the business community across the state for the upcoming election cycles.
We will continue to face party challenges stemming from the 2021 state redistricting while also facing term limits from seasoned legislators from both sides. A Democratic-backed redistricting plan was signed into law by then Governor Sisolak, and the new district lines were based on the census figures at the time – there was a 15 percent increase in population but the white population dropped from roughly two-thirds to one-half, the urban population increased slightly and the rural population decreased. This year, experienced Senators Pat Spearman (D), Scott Hammond (R), and Pete Goicoechea (R), all reached their term limits in their respective houses, and others will begin to follow suit in the coming years. Now more than ever, it is important to identify and cultivate new legislators who understand key issues and can work with both sides of the aisle.
A balanced legislature enforces an effective system of checks and balances preventing the enactment of laws that unfairly impact or favor certain sides of the government or the people.
Stay tuned to more movement on this topic and ways that you can get involved.
