Uncovering the Financial Landscape: A Deep Dive into Washoe County's Competitive Races

The latest round of financial disclosures before Election Day has shed light on the financial landscape of the upcoming races in Washoe County, Nevada. From school board upsets to mixed martial arts celebrity involvement, this comprehensive analysis delves into the key takeaways and campaign contribution details that could shape the outcome of these crucial local elections.

Unraveling the Financial Dynamics of Washoe County's Competitive Races

School Board Showdown: Challenger Rosenstein Outpaces Incumbent Nicolet

In the only Washoe County School Board race on the ballot, challenger Perry Rosenstein has raised a staggering five times more than incumbent Diane Nicolet, potentially signaling a potential upset in the making. This disparity in fundraising could indicate a shift in voter sentiment and a desire for change within the local education system.

MMA Mogul's Influence: Dana White's Backing of Republican Candidate Sande

The competitive state Assembly District 25 race has garnered attention due to the involvement of Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). White, a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts, has emerged as a top donor for Republican candidate Diana Sande, who is challenging incumbent Democrat Selena La Rue Hatch. This high-profile endorsement could sway the outcome of the race, as voters weigh the influence of celebrity involvement in local politics.

Nonpartisan Leanings: Greg Kidd's Democratic Donations

For those seeking to understand the political leanings of Greg Kidd, the nonpartisan candidate running against Republican Rep. Mark Amodei, the latest campaign contribution reports provide some insights. Kidd, who vows to be a voice for Nevadans across the political spectrum, has exclusively donated to Democratic candidates in this third quarter filing period, including Alexis Hill, Devon Reese, Erica Roth, Heather Goulding, Frank Perez, Miguel Martinez, and Joseph Dalia. This pattern of donations, coupled with his endorsement by U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, a Democrat, suggests a strong left-leaning political alignment, despite his nonpartisan status.

Competitive State Senate District 15: Ginsburg vs. Taylor

In the State Senate District 15 race, the financial disclosures reveal a close contest between the Republican candidate, Mike Ginsburg, and the Democratic candidate, Angie Taylor. Ginsburg has raised $150,000 and has $69,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Silver State Victory PAC, South Point Hotel Casino, and the Republican Women of Northern Nevada. Taylor, on the other hand, has raised $281,000 and has $70,000 in cash on hand, with significant support from the Nevada Service Employees International Union, Ajax Financial, and the Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada.

Competitive State Assembly District 24: Roth vs. Kolesnick

The State Assembly District 24 race features a stark contrast in fundraising between the Democratic candidate, Erica Roth, and the Republican candidate, Teri Kolesnick. Roth has raised $104,000 and has $70,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Bradley, Drendel and Jeanney, and the Laborers Solid State Leadership. Kolesnick, on the other hand, has raised only $8,000 and has a mere $41 in cash on hand, with a single top donor, Robert Beadles.

Competitive State Assembly District 25: La Rue Hatch vs. Sande

The State Assembly District 25 race is another closely watched contest, with incumbent Democrat Selena La Rue Hatch facing off against Republican challenger Diana Sande. La Rue Hatch has raised $188,000 and has $153,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada, the Citizens for Justice Trust, and the Nevada Conservation League. Sande, on the other hand, has raised $202,000 and has $257,000 in cash on hand, with significant support from Marnell Architecture/Companies, H M Day, and the UFC's Dana White.

Competitive State Assembly District 26: DeLong vs. Sullivan

In the State Assembly District 26 race, incumbent Republican Rich DeLong has raised $106,000 and has $72,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Las Vegas Sands, South Point Hotel and Casino, and the Nevada Realtors. His Democratic challenger, Diane "Nevada Moon" Sullivan, has raised $9,700 and has $1,800 in cash on hand, with her top donor being herself.

Competitive State Assembly District 27: Goulding vs. Ortiz

The State Assembly District 27 race features a Democratic candidate, Heather Goulding, who has raised $100,000 and has $28,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Citizens for Justice Trust, the Nevada State Education Association, and Emily's List. Her Republican opponent, Carmen Ortiz, has raised $10,000 and has $7,700 in cash on hand, with top donors including Robert Beadles, Alexis Hansen, and Nicholas St. Jon.

Competitive State Assembly District 31: Dickman vs. MacKie

In the State Assembly District 31 race, incumbent Republican Jill Dickman has raised $78,000 and has $103,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Citizens for Justice Trust, South Point Hotel and Casino, and the Nevada Resort PAC. Her Democratic challenger, Stuart MacKie, has raised a mere $200 and has $200 in cash on hand, with no donors listed.

Competitive State Assembly District 32: Hansen vs. Thomas

The State Assembly District 32 race features incumbent Republican Alexis Hansen, who has raised $87,000 and has $57,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Las Vegas Sands, and the Nevada Restaurant Services. Her Democratic opponent, Arnold Thomas, has raised zero dollars and has zero cash on hand, with no donors listed.

Competitive State Assembly District 40: O'Neill vs. Ramsey

In the State Assembly District 40 race, incumbent Republican PK O'Neill has raised $126,000 and has $76,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the South Point Hotel and Casino, the Nevada Association of Health Facilities, and the Las Vegas Sands. His Democratic challenger, Katherine Ramsey, has raised $6,200 and has $230 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Carson City Democratic Women's Club and Michael Greedy.

Competitive State Board of Education District 2: Davis vs. Orr

The State Board of Education District 2 race features two candidates: Paul "Doc" Davis, who has raised zero dollars and has zero cash on hand, and Angela Orr, who has raised $25,000 and has $8,600 in cash on hand, with top donors including Angela Orr, Judith Simpson, and Charles Abbott.

Competitive Washoe County Commission District 1: Berkbigler vs. Hill

In the Washoe County Commission District 1 race, Republican Marsha Berkbigler has raised $18,000 and has $4,400 in cash on hand, with top donors including Jim DeMartini, Tom Reviglio, and Stanley Paher. Her Democratic opponent, incumbent Alexis Hill, has raised $239,000 and has $252,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including Hamilton Properties, the Nevada Conservation League, and the Circus Circus and Eldorado Joint Venture.

Competitive Washoe County School Board District G-At Large: Nicolet vs. Rosenstein

The Washoe County School Board District G-At Large race has garnered significant attention, with challenger Perry Rosenstein raising $125,000 and having $67,000 in cash on hand, compared to incumbent Diane Nicolet's $24,000 raised and $6,900 in cash on hand. Rosenstein's top donors include Paul Rosenstein, Bonnie Lynn, and the Grand Sierra Resort, while Nicolet's top donors include herself, Susan Taylor, and the Committee to Elect Alex Woodley.

Competitive Reno City Council Races

The Reno City Council races have also seen significant financial activity, with several notable candidates and their campaign contributions:- Ward 1: Frank Perez has raised $74,000 and has $38,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including Academica Nevada and the Laborers' International Union of North America Local 169. Appointed incumbent Kathleen Taylor has raised $221,000 and has $28,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Builders Association of Northern Nevada and McDonald Carano.- Ward 3: Appointed incumbent Miguel Martinez has raised $136,000 and has $72,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Circus Circus and Eldorado Joint Venture and Ensemble Real Estate. Denise Myer has raised $15,000 and has $7,700 in cash on hand, with top donors including Robert Beadles and the Republican Women of Northern Nevada.- Ward 5: Incumbent at-large Devon Reese has raised $151,000 and has $154,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including Hamilton Properties and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 39. Brian Cassidy has raised $17,500 and has $4,400 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Republican Women of Northern Nevada and Nicholas St. Jon.- Ward 6: Brandi Anderson has raised $137,000 and has $56,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including PMI Global Services and the Circus Circus and Eldorado Joint Venture. Tom Heck has raised $103,000 and has $102,000 in cash on hand, with the Republican Women of Northern Nevada as his top donor.

Competitive Sparks City Council and Municipal Court Races

The Sparks City Council and Municipal Court races have also seen significant financial activity:- Sparks City Council Ward 3: Incumbent Paul Anderson has raised $55,000 and has $16,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including Western Nevada Supply and NAIOP. Brad Fitch has raised $31,000 and has $12,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada and the Reno Fire Fighters Association.- Sparks City Council Ward 5: Incumbent Kristopher Dahir has raised $69,000 and has $20,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including Kaempfer Crowell and 5 Ridges Development. Joe Rodriguez has raised $40,000 and has $10,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including the Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada and the Nevada State Education Association.- Sparks Municipal Court Department 2: Robert DeLong has raised $9,500 and has $7,300 in cash on hand, with himself as the top donor. Jesse Kalter has raised $64,000 and has $5,000 in cash on hand, with top donors including himself and Mike Clark.