Posted on: November 6, 2024, 08:02h.
Last updated on: November 6, 2024, 08:09h.
Republican candidate Sam Brown was leading Democratic incumbent Jacky Rosen by less than 1,000 votes in the battle for Nevada’s US Senate seat, according to initial results.
Shortly after the polls closed, Brown, a retired Army officer, was leading Rosen by 870 votes, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS. This represents a difference of 0.1%.
Based on early results as of Wednesday morning, Brown had garnered 599,554 votes, representing 47.3%. Rosen received 598,684 votes, representing 47.2%. The rest of the votes were divided among other candidates.
There are still mail-in ballots to be included, which can be postmarked as late as Election Day.
Both candidates refrained from declaring victory during their appearances before supporters on Tuesday night.
Recollections of 2022
Tuesday’s tight contest between Rosen and Brown brings back memories of a similar close election in Nevada.
In 2022, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D, went up against Adam Laxalt, R. Initially, Laxalt was ahead, but she emerged victorious after the mail-in votes were tallied.
If Rosen loses, it will result in a stronger Republican majority in the US Senate. As of 8 am ET Wednesday, Republicans hold at least 52 seats in the Senate, according to the Associated Press.
Some of these wins were linked to the influence of former President Donald Trump’s national victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump won with 277 electoral votes compared to her 224 votes, according to early results. He is projected to secure even more electoral votes, possibly exceeding 300, and may also win the popular vote, according to media forecasts. Trump was leading in Nevada as of Wednesday morning.
Approved Ballot Measures
On Election Day, Nevada voters also approved a ballot measure that affirms the right to have an abortion.
This measure will establish a constitutional right to abortion and allow the state to regulate abortion after fetal viability, except in cases where it is medically necessary to “protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.”
Another ballot measure approved by Nevada voters relates to identification requirements when voting.
It amends the constitution to mandate that Nevada residents present a form of photo identification to verify their identity when voting in person, or provide the last four digits of their driver’s license or Social Security number when voting by mail.
Mayoral Election
In another race, Shelley Berkley, a former member of Congress, was in the lead against Councilwoman Victoria Seaman, R, in the competition for Las Vegas mayor, as of early Wednesday.
The winner will take over after 24 years of the mayorship being held by either Oscar Goodman or, more recently, his wife, Carolyn Goodman. Both served three terms in office.
Las Vegas does not encompass the Las Vegas Strip but only the area within the official city boundaries.