Las Vegas Review-Journal

October 8, 2026 - 9:11 pm

Nevada Democrats have deftly gerrymandered their way to dominance in the Legislature, where they are a single seat shy in the state Senate of securing a supermajority in both chambers. That’s likely inside baseball to many voters, but a swing of just one race this November into the Democratic column would drastically change Nevada’s political trajectory even if Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo is re-elected.

Eleven Senate seats are on the ballot this cycle, five held by Republicans and six held by Democrats. Many incumbents are safe, given the demographic realities of their districts. But three blue seats in Southern Nevada could be competitive and offer the state GOP an opportunity to complicate the road to a Democratic veto-proof majority in Carson City.

In District 12, Republican Rafael Arroyo faces incumbent state Sen. Julie Pazina, a Democrat. Mr. Arroyo is an entrepreneur and small businessman who wants to “keep those bad California policies out of Nevada.” He favors “a good regulatory environment so businesses can grow … and keep their employees.” He understands that competition in education “creates better performance” and supports policies “that give us better results.” Sen. Pazina, meanwhile, favors rent control in some instances and opposes giving Nevada parents more schooling options for their children. Mr. Arroyo is a top-notch candidate. We recommend a vote for Rafael Arroyo.

State Sen. Melanie Scheible, a Democrat, is running against Republican Maria Thompson in District 9. Sen. Scheible for years ignored the state constitution’s separation of powers clause, serving simultaneously in both the executive and legislative branches as a Clark County prosecutor and lawmaker. She’s a reliable vote for left-wing causes and for the education establishment. Ms. Thompson is a former TV news reporter turned attorney. She favors increased school choice, accountability measures such as Read by 3 and a “focus on outcomes.” Maria Thompson is the best choice in District 9.

In District 8, Republican George Harris is challenging Democratic state Sen. Marilyn Dondero Loop, who has served in Carson City for 18 years. Sen. Dondero Loop has a relatively moderate record and chairs the Senate Finance Committee, but she voted for the Hollywood handout legislation and, as a former teacher, staunchly defends the foundering status quo in Nevada’s public schools. Mr. Harris is a retired businessman who favors low taxes, regulatory reform and school choice. He backs releasing more public land for development as a tool for moderating housing prices. Ms. Dondero Loop has served admirably, but Mr. Harris’ political philosophy is more to our liking. We urge a vote for George Harris.