11/09/16 – Preliminary Election Analysis
Dear NVOS Members,
As you have likely heard this morning, the Democrats prevailed in yesterday’s state election and will control both houses of the Nevada Legislature next session.
Most of our issues are heard in the Judiciary and Health Committees.
In 2015 in the Senate:
Dr. Hardy chaired Health; in 2013, under the Democrats, Justin Jones chaired and Debbie Smith was vice chair. Since Justin is no longer serving and Debbie is, unfortunately, deceased, it is difficult to project who might lead this committee.
Greg Brower chaired Judiciary; in 2013, Democrat Tick Segerblom chaired. It is likely that Tick will chair the committee in 2017.
In 2015 in the Assembly,
James Oscarson chaired Health; in 2013, under the Dems, Marilyn Dondero Loop chaired and Ellen Spiegel was vice chair. Marilyn is no longer a legislator and Ellen was re-elected last night. There is at least one other Dem newcomer with significant health background, so it’s hard to say who will chair in 2017.
Ira Hansen chaired Judiciary; in 2013, under the Dems, Jason Frierson chaired. Jason was re-elected last evening.
The caucuses are meeting today to put their leadership teams together and, possibly, their committee chairs, in place.
In the Senate, it is likely that Aaron Ford will become majority leader and Michael Roberson will be minority leader.
In the Assembly, it is likely that Jason Frierson or Irene Bustamante Adams will be Speaker. Among the Republicans, there is likely to be tension between the moderates who ran the caucus last session and the far right group who were mostly disruptive in 2013.
Much remains to be seen. We will continue to provide reports as details become clear to us.