Post-Election Analysis and the 78th Legislative Session -

Republicans far outpaced expectations on election day converting what had been forecasted to be a lackluster election year into one of historic proportions. Nevada Republicans have not held control of both legislative houses and the Governor’s mansion since 1929 and have never, in the history of Nevada, held control of the legislature, the Governor’s office, and all remaining constitutional offices.

Republicans won all three high-profile Senate contests by double-digit margins leaving Republicans with a 11-10 majority in the Nevada Senate. Not to be outdone, the Assembly Republican Caucus took the majority in the Nevada Assembly, dramatically reversing the previously held Democratic near-super majority. Democrats lost every assembly battleground seat. Most surprising was the loss of former Democratic Assembly Assistant Minority Leader, Assemblyman Jason Frierson, who lost his seat despite a 15 point democratic advantage. With a 25-17 majority, Republicans will control the Nevada Assembly for the first time since 1985. Democrats did not fare any better at the constitutional level losing every office, some by double-digit margins.