More than 1,100 people filed to run for federal, state, and local office in the Silver State this year — and that doesn’t even count the candidates running for judicial seats like district judge or state supreme court.
So, what are the issues, endorsements, and candidates impacting the 2026 primary election?
"I think we're going to have to see our leaders really speak to what they can do to make sure that Nevadans can get by on their paychecks, and that's going to be a tall order," said Dallas Harris, an attorney and former Democratic state Senator.
Another major issue in the election is the impact of President Trump and the current administration's policies on Nevadans. His approval numbers are in the mid-30s, with nearly 60% of Americans disapproving of how he's handling the job. However, Trump still controls much of the Republican Party. According to lobbyist and former Republican state Senator Warren Hardy, Trump's support could be enough to help candidates in the primary.
"President Trump's endorsement makes a big difference in a primary again, not quite as much in Nevada as it has in other states, but it could be the difference in those races," Hardy said.
Whether Trump's support is enough to help Republican candidates win the general election is another story. Instead, many candidates turn to local groups or labor organizations for support. According to Harris, those endorsements are pivotal.
"It's not just necessarily the name that comes with the endorsement, but often some of the monetary support, some of the foot soldiers, who can go out and knock doors for you once you receive an endorsement from a particular organization. Getting a lot of information about candidates is fairly difficult, so we know that folks often look to their union or to a group they know, participate in, and respect for a slate of people to vote for, right? Those endorsements are key."
Hardy agrees.
"Any race the culinary union decides to be involved in, just because of the sheer number of boots they can put on the ground, that's going to impact every race," he said.
The 2026 Primary is on June 9. In-person early voting is ongoing until June 5. Mail ballots must be postmarked by election day and arrive no later than June 13 to count.
Guests: Dallas Harris, attorney and former state senator, Democrat; Warren Hardy, lobbyist and former state senator, Republican
