Nevada Democrats are hoping to take back control of the assembly and potentially the senate this fall.
Democrats lost their majority in the assembly in 2014, the first time in more than two decades.
Fred Lokken, a political science professor at Truckee Meadows Community College, says that's because it was also one of the worst voter turnouts in state history. But because this year is a presidential cycle, it's looking more promising.
"So with a normal turnout — they lost some seats by as little 40 votes that were traditionally Democratic in the state assembly — so they are especially here in Nevada are assuming that they can retake the assembly pretty easily."
He says the Senate is a bit more fickle, but ballot measures could drive more Democrats to the polls
"Will we have an impact from recreational marijuana being on the ballot as well as a gun background check requirement? And so those issues, if it turns out, then the idea is that the Democrats could win not only the Assembly, but also get that seat back in the Senate."
Senate Minority Leader Aaron Ford, speaking in Reno yesterday [Thurs], said divisions within the national and state Republican party will also help their cause. Earlier this week, all four officers of the Washoe GOP resigned.
"While the GOP has their internal turmoil, we're going to continue our laser focus ... and support candidates, and let it be known to the constituency that there people out there that are concerned about what's happening to everyday Nevadans."
Republicans hold a majority with 25 seats in the assembly and have a one-seat advantage in the senate.
