Leftist Leaders Push Big Government Agenda in Nevada
Democrats Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez packed Craig Ranch Amphitheater in North Las Vegas on Thursday. This marks the kickoff of their western “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, aimed at mobilizing Democratic voters against President Trump’s agenda.
Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford (D) joined the progressive duo on stage at the event, adding local representation to the national figures’ appeal.
“This isn’t just about Republicans. We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us, too,” Ocasio-Cortez told the cheering crowd. She called for voters to elect “brawlers” and Democrats “who know how to stand for the working class.”
At the start of the rally, Ocasio-Cortez asked the crowd:
“How many of you is this your first political rally?”
Many hands shot up, showing the progressives’ potential to draw in political newcomers.
AOC kicked off her first “Fight the Oligarchy” rally in Las Vegas—one of several she’s holding with Bernie Sanders in swing districts—by asking the crowd:
“How many of you is this your first political rally?”
Watch the show of hands. Just wow. pic.twitter.com/MLHyw4nrMG
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) March 20, 2025
Throughout her speech, Ocasio-Cortez repeatedly emphasized that it “doesn’t matter who they voted for” in the last election. She insisted the fight ahead is “rooted in class solidarity.”
This language reveals the socialist underpinnings of their movement with too-familiar class warfare rhetoric.
Outside the venue, merchandise stands sold “AOC 2028” campaign pins, suggesting her supporters are already eyeing a future presidential run – yet another sign of the left’s long-term organizing strategy.
Why This Matters To Nevada Conservatives
For Nevada conservatives who value limited government, this massive turnout signals a direct threat to our vision of economic freedom. Sanders previously won Nevada’s 2020 Democratic presidential caucus despite opposition from the powerful Culinary Union, which worried his Medicare for All plan would eliminate their hard-fought healthcare benefits.
This history shows Sanders’ appeal among Nevada Democrats despite policy concerns from major labor groups. His return now with Ocasio-Cortez suggests progressives are making a play for increased influence in our swing state.
While they don’t use these exact words, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are pushing for bigger government programs and more federal control over our daily lives – right here in our backyard.
The Vegas Crowd Speaks Volumes
The 3,200-person turnout exceeds Sanders’ previous Vegas rally size of 2,200 during his 2019 presidential campaign, showing growing support for progressive messaging in our state.
Sanders made his agenda clear at the Craig Ranch event, saying:
“We have two very different Americas. In one of those Americas, the wealthiest people have never, ever, in the history of our country, had it so good.”
What he doesn’t tell Nevada voters is that his solutions would expand government power and increase taxes on hardworking Silver State families.
Their Political Strategy Revealed
The rally exposed several key elements of the progressive playbook. Sanders and AOC are targeting working-class voters with populist messaging about economic inequality.
Sanders specifically said:
“We will not accept the society of massive economic inequalities where the very rich are becoming much richer while working families across the country struggle to put food on the table.”
They’re also directly challenging Democratic Party leadership. The crowd broke into chants of “Primary Chuck” – referring to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who recently compromised with Republicans on a government funding bill. Some House Democrats have even encouraged AOC to primary Schumer in 2028.
Their broader tour targets districts narrowly won by Republicans in 2024. Sanders’ office stated they’re specifically pressuring these lawmakers to vote against cuts to entitlement programs, housing, nutrition, and education – all big-government spending priorities.
Their claims about Republicans cutting entitlement programs remain disputed. While House Republicans’ budget resolution requires $880 billion in spending cuts from committees overseeing Medicaid, GOP leaders insist they’ll target waste and fraud rather than benefits.
Meanwhile, Nevada’s own senators are divided on tactics, with Jacky Rosen standing firm against the resolution while Catherine Cortez Masto took a more pragmatic approach to avoid a government shutdown.
Sanders also revealed their anti-Trump strategy, claiming:
“We will not accept an authoritarian form of society with a president who undermines the Constitution every day and is working aggressively to take away our freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.”
According to NBC News polling, nearly two-thirds of Democrats want their representatives to oppose Trump’s agenda rather than compromise. This hardline stance suggests Democrats are choosing conflict over cooperation that could benefit all Nevadans.
What Might Happen Next
The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour is scheduled to make additional stops in Colorado and Arizona. According to Sanders’ office, they expect more than 51,000 people to attend their events this week.
If these rallies succeed in energizing progressive voters, we could see more candidates pushing for expanded government powers in future Nevada elections.
What Nevada Conservatives Can Do
Stay informed about what’s happening in these local rallies. The progressive movement is organizing in our backyard, and we need to be ready.
Register voters who share our values. Nevada’s swing state status means every vote counts. Help register new voters who understand the importance of limited government.
Attend town halls and local meetings. Your voice matters just as much as those attending the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour.
Remember, the best way to counter big government ideas in Nevada isn’t just to oppose them—it’s to show people how freedom and personal responsibility create better outcomes for everyone in the Silver State.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
