Republican challenger Sam Brown was narrowly leading Democratic incumbent Jacky Rosen by fewer than 1,000 votes in the fiercely contested race for Nevada’s US Senate seat, based on preliminary results. As of Wednesday morning, Brown, a retired Army officer, held an 870-vote lead with 599,554 votes (47.3%) compared to Rosen’s 598,684 votes (47.2%), as reported by Las Vegas TV station KLAS. This razor-thin margin represents a mere 0.1% difference between the candidates.
Despite the tight race, both Brown and Rosen refrained from claiming victory during their Tuesday night appearances before supporters. They are awaiting the inclusion of remaining mail-in ballots, which can be postmarked as late as Election Day and may still sway the outcome.
The suspense surrounding this year’s election evokes memories of the 2022 Senate race in Nevada, where Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D) overcame an initial lead by Republican Adam Laxalt after mail-in ballots were tallied. A Rosen defeat would bolster the Republican majority in the US Senate, adding to their current 52 seats as of 8 a.m. ET Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.
Some Republican victories are being credited to the influence of former President Donald Trump’s national win over Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump secured 277 electoral votes compared to Harris’ 224, and media predictions suggest he might surpass 300 electoral votes and win the popular vote. Trump was also leading in Nevada as of Wednesday morning.
In addition to the Senate race, Nevada voters approved a ballot measure ensuring the right to an abortion, granting a constitutional right to abortion while allowing state regulation after fetal viability, except when necessary to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient. Another approved measure requires Nevada residents to present photo identification when voting in person or to verify their identity using the last four digits of their driver’s license or Social Security number when voting by mail.
In the Las Vegas mayoral race, former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley was ahead of Councilwoman Victoria Seaman (R) early Wednesday. The winner will succeed the 24-year tenure of the Goodman family, with Oscar Goodman and subsequently Carolyn Goodman each serving three terms. Notably, Las Vegas city limits do not include the famed Las Vegas Strip, which lies outside its official boundaries.
