Many Latinos in Nevada identify politically as independent, which gives them influence in deciding which party will win.

It’s rare to be a moderate in Nevada’s Legislature — and there’s no sign of that changing. In the past seven legislative sessions, just 15 percent of legislators were more likely to vote toward the middle of the ideological spectrum in a given session than toward the farthest left or right, according to a Nevada Independent analysis.  

Many of them reside in the political middle, uninterested in the extremes of partisan politics. Some are ticket splitters. They’ve helped maintain Nevada’s status as a purple state and a national bellwether.

Gov. Joe Lombardo seems to be staying out of the 2024 presidential primary discourse, walking a fine tightrope to appease different voters.

To a large extent, it's a story of movement. People relocating from more liberal climes, like California. Newcomers filling up cities and suburbs, as rural areas recede. Latino influence expanding. And, not least, Republicans shifting dramatically rightward — especially on issues such as immigration and abortion — antagonizing that burgeoning Latino population and butting up against wary Westerners bridling at those telling them how they should live their lives.

For five long weeks, the White House hung in the balance as one of the closest, most wrenching presidential campaigns in history went deep into overtime. It all came down to Florida, where Republican George W. Bush was finally declared the winner, by Supreme Court decree. The official margin was 537 votes. But in 2000, one state was even closer.

The head of a state watchdog agency is alleging Gov. Joe Lombardo improperly used his uniform and badge while as Clark County Sheriff to campaign for governor and is recommending the largest fine in state history for the alleged ethics violations.

Are thousands of Nevadans losing the right to vote because of problems with the ballot curing process? Or is the system working, preventing fraudulent ballots from being cast?