In November, four out of seven Clark County Commission seats will be up for election. Commissioners Michael Naft, William McCurdy II, and Marilyn Kirkpatrick are seeking re-election, while Commissioner Ross Miller will be leaving his position, creating an open contest for his seat. Clark County is the 11th largest county in the United States, serving over 2.4 million Southern Nevada residents. The upcoming general election could potentially disrupt the all-Democratic makeup of the board, as the last Republican was elected in 2008.
The county is currently experiencing growth alongside a critical shortage of affordable housing units. A recent census conducted earlier this year revealed a 20% year-over-year increase in the homeless population, the highest in a decade, which includes both sheltered and unsheltered individuals.
In District A, Michael Naft, who was appointed to the seat in 2019 and won re-election in 2020, is facing off against Ryan Hamilton. Naft has been instrumental in guiding the county through the challenges of the pandemic and has focused on issues such as traffic safety and public safety measures. He has also worked on addressing the affordable housing crisis and homelessness in the county. Hamilton, a Las Vegas native, is concerned about airport and traffic-related delays and aims to streamline the permitting process for housing developments and explore rent control measures.
Moving on to District B, Marilyn Kirkpatrick is being challenged by Libertarian Party candidate Jesse Welsh. Kirkpatrick, who has served in the Nevada Assembly and the County Commission, is focusing on reducing traffic fatalities, homelessness, and combating the opioid crisis. She highlighted the importance of increasing resources for the homeless population and bringing more medical resources to the county. Welsh, who did not respond to interview requests, has previously run for office and listed his occupation as a contractor.
In District C, Democratic Assemblywoman Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod is running against Republican attorney April Becker. Bilbray-Axelrod aims to improve public safety efficiency, make housing more affordable, and focus on sustainable water usage. She wants to find technological solutions to extend the valley’s water supply and ensure that new industries benefit county residents. Becker, who has run for other political offices in the past, seeks to bring transparency to the commission and represent the interests of constituents.
Lastly, in District D, incumbent William McCurdy II is running for re-election, focusing on housing, entrepreneurship, and increasing residents’ social safety net and employment opportunities. McCurdy also plans to support public safety initiatives, water conservation efforts, and veteran issues if granted a new term. His opponent, David Gomez, did not respond to interview requests but expressed interest in lower taxes, affordable housing, and transparent government.
The upcoming election will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Clark County and addressing pressing issues such as affordable housing, homelessness, public safety, and water conservation. Voters will have the opportunity to choose candidates who best represent their interests and will work towards improving the quality of life for all residents.
