The Assembly’s Third-Ranking Democrat Eyes Higher Office
Have you heard the latest from Carson City? Sandra Jauregui, who’s been the third-highest ranking Democrat in the Nevada Assembly as majority floor leader, just announced she’s running for lieutenant governor. This is big news for conservatives who’ve been watching the political chess game in our state.
Here’s what makes this race matter. Republican Stavros Anthony currently holds the lieutenant governor seat, and he’s been a solid voice for conservative values. Anthony, a former Las Vegas police officer who served nearly 30 years on the force, has focused on supporting law enforcement, promoting small business, and working for election integrity, low taxes, and balanced budgets.
Why This Should Worry Limited Government Folks
Now Jauregui wants to change all that. She says she’ll focus on five major priorities, including creating jobs, tackling the housing crisis by cutting red tape, lowering health care costs, strengthening public education, and keeping communities safe. Sounds nice on paper, right? But here’s the thing. When Democrats say they want to “invest” in programs, that usually means more government spending. And guess where that money comes from? Your pocket.
Jauregui is a survivor of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting and has been a prominent advocate for gun control within the Nevada Assembly. Every session, she’d introduce bills to restrict gun rights, and every time, Governor Lombardo would veto them. That’s right. Our Republican governor has been the only thing standing between Nevada gun owners and more restrictions.
The Political Battle Lines Are Clear
Democrats currently control the Nevada Legislature with a majority in both the state assembly and senate, but they’re one seat shy in each chamber of the two-thirds supermajorities that would allow them to easily override the governor’s vetoes. Think about that for a minute. If Democrats pick up just one more seat in each chamber, Governor Lombardo’s veto pen becomes useless.
Jauregui has already secured endorsements from U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, and Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis. The Democrat machine is already lining up behind her. They see this as their chance to take more control.
What the Other Side Says
Democrats claim Jauregui is fighting for working families. She positions herself as a candidate focused on “real leadership” and “real results” for working families. In her announcement, she said, “For the last decade, I’ve been fighting on the frontlines for more affordable housing, more investment in our schools, and to create good-paying jobs so more Nevadans can achieve their American Dream.”
But here’s what they don’t tell you. More government programs mean more taxes. More regulations mean fewer opportunities for small businesses. And more gun control means law-abiding citizens lose their rights while criminals keep their guns anyway.
What’s at Stake in 2026
The 2026 election is shaping up to be huge for Nevada. Governor Joe Lombardo is running for re-election, and every statewide office will be on the ballot. For the first time in nearly 20 years, registered Republicans now outnumber Democrats in Nevada, with 617,204 Republicans to 616,863 Democrats. That’s right. We finally have more registered voters than they do.
But don’t get too comfortable. Nonpartisans still make up the largest group at 691,977, and those voters will decide this election. Even though Trump won Nevada, Democrats did well in key races down the ballot, with Democratic congressional incumbents winning their races and Democrats maintaining their majority in the Nevada Legislature.
What Conservatives Can Do
This race matters more than you might think. The lieutenant governor serves as president of the state Senate and can cast tie-breaking votes. The position also chairs the state tourism commission and serves on several state boards. That’s real power over real decisions that affect your daily life.
Here’s what you can do. First, make sure you’re registered to vote. Second, talk to your neighbors about what’s at stake. Third, support candidates who believe in limited government, lower taxes, and protecting our constitutional rights. Fourth, pay attention to all the races on your ballot, not just the top ones.
The Democrats are organizing early. Campaign season is already chugging along, with Republicans and Democrats announcing for public office, even though candidate filing isn’t until March. We need to match their energy if we want to keep Nevada from sliding further left.
Remember, every election matters. From your local school board to the lieutenant governor’s race, these are the people making decisions about your taxes, your kids’ education, and your freedoms. Don’t sit this one out.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
