Republican Caucus Goes All-In on Two Conservative Candidates as Battle for State Senate Majority Heats Up
The Nevada Senate Republican Caucus just made a big move. They unanimously endorsed Rafael Arroyo for Senate District 12 and Maria Thompson for Senate District 9. This isn’t just a routine political announcement. It’s a clear signal that Republicans are serious about taking back control of the state senate.
Senate Republican Leader Robin Titus didn’t hold back in her praise for both candidates. She called them strong conservatives who are ready to help Republicans flip the state senate and regain the majority.
Why These Endorsements Matter
Right now, Democrats control the Nevada State Senate. That means they can push through liberal policies without much Republican input. Everything from tax increases to education policy to business regulations flows through Carson City with little conservative resistance.
For Nevada families worried about rising costs, growing government, and liberal overreach, flipping the senate could change everything. With Republican control, conservative principles like fiscal responsibility, parental rights, and limited government would have real power in Carson City.
Meet the Candidates
Assistant Senate Republican Leader Lori Rogich also backed both candidates, emphasizing that they understand what Nevada families face every day.
“Rafael Arroyo and Maria Thompson understand what Nevada families are facing and are ready to lead on day one,” Rogich said.
“These candidates reflect the values of their communities, and our caucus is united behind them as we work to restore balance and fairness in Carson City.”
That last part is important. Republicans see the current situation in Carson City as unbalanced. With Democrats controlling both chambers, these endorsements show Republicans are organizing early to change that dynamic.
Maria Thompson: Journalist Turned Attorney Takes on Senate District 9
Maria Thompson brings an unusual background to her race for Senate District 9. She’s a former award-winning journalist who moved to Las Vegas in 2017 to produce evening news for KSNV, where she covered everything from the One October mass shooting to investigations on schools and the juvenile justice system.
Her reporting earned state and regional awards, but what she saw while covering government pushed her to make a change. She went to law school at UNLV while working full-time, graduated in the top 5 percent of her class, and now works as an attorney defending Nevada businesses, doctors, hospitals, and casinos at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith.
She’s challenging incumbent Democrat Melanie Scheibel in a district that covers Enterprise, Spring Valley, and the southwest valley—areas where families worry about crime, schools, and the cost of living.
Rafael Arroyo: Small Business Owner With a Proven Track Record
Rafael Arroyo’s story is the American Dream playing out in real time. Born in Puerto Rico, he moved to Las Vegas with his family when he was just six years old. After graduating from Rancho High School, he opened his first Smog Plus business at age 23.
Today, the company has grown to nine locations across the Las Vegas Valley, employing more than 25 people.
A detective once told him his small business was violating the law by combining smog testing with DMV vehicle registration services. Arroyo fought back for over two months. He won. And he’s been fighting government overreach ever since.
As president of the Registration Services Association of Nevada, Arroyo worked through three legislative sessions to pass legislation that reduced unnecessary red tape and gave Nevadans more options for vehicle registration. He knows what it means to meet payroll and sign the front of a paycheck, not just the back.
In November 2024, Arroyo came within 257 votes of winning Assembly District 41. Despite being outspent by over $500,000, he nearly pulled off an upset against Democrat Majority Leader Sandra Jauregui. The final numbers showed 50.36 percent to 49.64 percent.
Now he’s back, this time running for Senate District 12. He’s not a career politician. He’s a guy who built something from nothing and learned the hard way that government can either help or hurt your dreams.
What’s at Stake
The Nevada Senate Republican Caucus laid out its vision clearly. Their goal is:
“to make Nevada the best state in the nation to raise a family by increasing quality of life and decreasing the cost it takes to afford it.”
That’s a message that resonates with conservative voters frustrated by high costs, big government, and policies that seem disconnected from everyday concerns. Lower taxes, less regulation, better schools with parental involvement, and public safety are all issues Republicans hope to advance if they win the majority.
What Comes Next
These races won’t be decided until November, but unanimous caucus endorsements this early show Republicans are building momentum. Both Arroyo and Thompson now have the full backing of Republican leadership as they campaign in their districts.
For conservative Nevadans who want to see change in Carson City, these races matter. Supporting these candidates, volunteering for their campaigns, or simply spreading the word to friends and neighbors could help flip the state senate.
The road to a Republican majority runs through Senate Districts 9 and 12. The caucus has made its choice clear. Now it’s up to voters.
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