What do the elections in Nevada mean for LEAN?
It’s a question I’ve been thinking about a lot this week. After last week’s election, Nevada’s political landscape looks very different. As our state prepares to welcome new legislators and say farewell to others, we’re reminded that elections bring changes in leadership, but the needs of our neighbors remain.
Nevada saw several historic firsts.
Former Assembly Majority Leader Teresa Benitez-Thompson was elected to represent Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District. She will be the first Democrat to represent the district. Here at home, Attorney General Aaron Ford defeated Governor Joe Lombardo and will become the first elected Black governor west of the Mississippi River. Democrats also gained a two-thirds supermajority in the Assembly and came one seat short of a two-thirds supermajority in the Senate.
As we prepare for the legislative session in the coming months, LEAN will be finalizing our policy priorities and preparing resources to help people move from the pews and ballot boxes to the halls of the Nevada State Legislature. Our work continues regardless of who holds public office. Families still struggle to put food on the table. Neighbors still need affordable housing, accessible health care, quality education, and opportunities to live with dignity. And people of faith are still called to seek justice, show compassion, and work for the common good.
We give thanks to everyone who has served in the Nevada Legislature, recognizing the time, energy, and dedication public service requires. We congratulate those who have been elected and extend our gratitude and good wishes to those concluding their service. We also recognize the legislative staff, public servants, advocates, and volunteers whose work helps sustain our shared civic life.
A new legislative session brings renewed opportunities to build relationships, listen, learn, and advocate. We will continue reaching across differences, working with lawmakers and community partners, and lifting up the concerns of neighbors whose voices may too easily go unheard.
Our faith reminds us that hope does not depend on election results. It grows through faithful relationships, persistent advocacy, and the conviction that we can work together for a more just and compassionate Nevada.
As this transition unfolds, we invite Nevada Lutherans to pray for everyone who serves our state, Democrats and Republicans, those entering office, those departing, and those continuing to serve. May they be guided by wisdom and humility, attentive to the needs of those who struggle, and steadfast in their commitment to justice, compassion, and the dignity of every Nevadan.
The faces at the Capitol may change. Our calling to love and serve our neighbors does not.
With gratitude for those who have served and hope for the work ahead, we invite you to join us for our annual Lutheran Lobby Day. Together, we’ll bring our faith and our neighbors’ concerns to the Capitol.
Until all are fed, housed, and clothed.
