Nevada Candidates to Face Voters in November Election
Legislative hopefuls are vying for seats as Democrats aim to secure a veto-proof majority in the state capital.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Legislative Policy
Live Poll
Should your state legislators seek to override a governor's vetoes on controversial bills?
Candidates across Nevada are preparing for the November 2026 election, where control of the state legislature remains the central focus. Democrats are campaigning to win enough seats to achieve a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override gubernatorial vetoes.
Why it matters
The outcome of these races will determine whether Governor Joe Lombardo retains his ability to block legislation. Democrats argue that a supermajority is necessary to pass bills that have been previously vetoed, while Republicans aim to maintain the governor's check on state policy.
Legislators require a two-thirds majority of 28 votes in the Assembly and 14 in the Senate to override a veto. Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed 75 bills in 2023 and 87 bills in 2025, setting the stage for these legislative contests.
The players
Joe Lombardo
Joe Lombardo is the Governor of Nevada who has utilized his executive veto power extensively to block proposed legislation.
Rafael Arroyo
Rafael Arroyo is a business owner who operates nine Smog Plus shop locations and employs more than 35 people.
Kelly Chapman
Kelly Chapman is a political candidate who previously worked as a casino pit boss for nearly 30 years.
Vinny Spotleson
Vinny Spotleson is a political candidate who raised $62,600 in campaign funds through June 2026.
The details
Candidates including Rafael Arroyo, who owns nine Smog Plus shop locations, and former casino pit boss Kelly Chapman are participating in community outreach events. Democrats currently hold 27 Assembly seats and 13 Senate seats as they push for the threshold required to bypass gubernatorial action.
Timeline
Governor Lombardo vetoed 75 bills in 2023.
Governor Lombardo vetoed 87 bills in 2025.
Candidates are appearing at a taco event on October 24, 2026.
The state legislative election is scheduled for November 2026.
Political Context
The race centers on the Nevada constitutional two-thirds veto override threshold, which dictates the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. Opposition groups argue that limiting the governor's veto power would diminish necessary fiscal oversight.
The election results will directly influence which state policies are enacted or blocked in the 2027 legislative session. Taxpayers and business owners may see changes to regulations depending on whether the governor maintains his veto authority.
The takeaway
Voters will ultimately decide if the state legislature can bypass executive vetoes starting in 2027. Engaging with local candidate platforms is the most effective way for residents to understand how specific policies might impact their daily lives.
Further reading
For more background on state house contests, see Legislative Policy.
More information
To see more details about upcoming outreach, visit the Candidate event RSVP portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nevada News and Views.
Live Poll
Should your state legislators seek to override a governor's vetoes on controversial bills?
