Nevada’s political media landscape is small, dominated by just a few key outlets spanning print, broadcast, and digital platforms. The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Reno Gazette-Journal, 8 News Now, The Nevada Independent, and Nevada Public Radio form the core, delivering the state’s most comprehensive coverage of politics and policy. As the 2026 elections near, these sources remain essential for tracking campaigns, legislation, and statewide issues.

Nevada’s special session, called to address health care, public safety, and jobs, has been dominated by Assembly Bill 5, offering $1.4 billion in film tax credits to build a Summerlin studio. Democrats are split: leaders and construction unions back 19,000 jobs and diversification; progressives, teachers, and public workers decry a Hollywood handout risking schools and services.

Nevada ranks 47th in adult literacy nationwide, with 25% of adults unable to read beyond short, simple texts, according to PIAAC data. This skills gap limits job readiness in tourism and mining, reduces lifetime earnings by 35%, and lowers voter turnout in a key swing state. Low K-12 funding and weak early reading proficiency contribute to the ongoing cycle of adult illiteracy.

Nevada ranks third-lowest in U.S. residential electricity prices at 12.57¢/kWh—151% cheaper than California. Low costs come from local geothermal, hydro, and solar power plus NV Energy’s regulated monopoly, upheld by voters and overseen by the PUCN.

SNAP Suspension Hits 495,000 Nevadans. While consistently voting no on the federal funding bill, Sen. Rosen now demands the use of contingency funds. The USDA says it cannot use reserves during shutdown. Twenty-five states sued the USDA, resulting in conflicting judges’ rulings. Pres. Trump asked for clarification on the authority to use the contingency funds and pledges immediate court-approved relief. Meanwhile, Gov. Lombardo approved $38.8 million in state reserves to support local food banks while federal funding is suspended.

Pres. Trump announced plans to resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing at the Nevada National Security Site, ending a decades-long moratorium since 1992. The site, with a history of over 1,000 tests would require years of preparation to restart operations. The decision comes amid nuclear advancements by Russia, China, and North Korea.

Nevada’s 612K Medicare enrollees—20% of the state’s population—face rising costs and federal cuts, with 53% in Medicare Advantage plans and 258K already disenrolled from Medicaid due to procedural issues. Budget reductions of $1 trillion in Medicaid and $500 billion in Medicare nationally threaten access, especially in rural areas with severe provider shortages.

Nevada’s 4.1% job openings rate in 2025, with 67K unfilled positions, highlights strong demand in its hospitality and tourism sectors, which employ nearly 28% of the state’s workforce. This contrasts with manufacturing-driven job markets in states like Georgia and North Carolina, reflecting Nevada’s unique tourism-based economy.

The filibuster, a U.S. Senate rule allowing a minority to delay legislation by requiring 60 votes to end debate, has fueled gridlock, notably during the ongoing government shutdown, prompting calls for reform. Nevada’s influence, through former Nevada Democrat Senator Harry Reid’s 2013 "nuclear option" lowering the vote threshold for nominations, continues to shape debates, with current proposals exploring similar bypasses or reinstating talking filibusters to address funding crises.

Nevada’s Christian community, comprising two-thirds of the state’s religious population and 60% of its voters, significantly shapes the political landscape on issues like religious liberty, abortion, and immigration. With diverse groups like Catholics, Evangelicals, and Protestants, their influence is evident through high voter turnout and advocacy by organizations like the Nevada Catholic Conference.

Nevada’s Mormon community, comprising about 6% of the state’s population, wields significant political influence through high voter turnout and strategic mobilization, historically shaping key elections like Harry Reid’s and Dean Heller’s Senate runs. Centered in Clark County and rural strongholds, the LDS Church’s cohesive networks and commitment to civic engagement amplify its impact on policies like gambling and education.

Nevada’s Jewish population influences the state’s closely contested elections through high voter turnout and active civic participation. In recent elections, Jewish voters largely supported Democratic candidates, including Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen, with slim reelection victories reflecting their role. Organizations like Jewish Nevada and ADL Nevada enhance the community’s engagement through advocacy on issues like antisemitism and U.S.-Israel relations.

Nevada’s religious voters, including high-turnout Catholics, Mormons, and evangelicals, decisively shaped Trump’s 2024 presidential win and Lombardo’s 2022 gubernatorial victory. Smaller Muslim, Buddhist, and Native American faith communities influence policies on immigration, gaming, and land use, while interfaith coalitions tackle antisemitism and environmental issues. Despite growing unaffiliated voters, religious groups’ strong turnout drives Nevada’s battleground politics.

UNLV’s successful football program boosts local businesses and fan engagement through strong attendance at Allegiant Stadium, while Nevada’s struggling team sees low turnout and limited economic impact. Both universities are leveraging modern venues to enhance their athletic programs and drive economic vitality.

Nevada's crime rate fell 12.6% in 2024—faster than the U.S. 8.4% drop—with violent crimes down 7.3% to 402 per 100,000 and property crimes down 13.5% to 2,197 per 100,000, both still above national averages. Murders dropped 16.4% and vehicle thefts plunged 30.2%, thanks to Las Vegas policing boosts, community efforts, fentanyl campaigns, and anti-theft tech; only New Hampshire and Maine saw rises, while D.C. had the highest rates.

A looming federal shutdown, driven by partisan gridlock, threatens Nevada’s economy, reliant on federal funds. Park closures, furloughs for federal workers, stalled grants, and SNAP delays could echo the $44 million hit from 2019, with Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen key to averting the crisis.

Nevada’s biennial budget depends significantly on federal funds to support essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, with Medicaid being a key recipient. While the state relies less on federal money than many others, potential changes in federal policy could impact these critical programs. As Nevada plans its next budget cycle, it aims to focus on fiscal discipline and diversifying revenue sources.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University and FIRE’s 2025 “F” grades for UNLV and UNR’s free speech climates have heightened campus free expression debates. FIRE’s survey shows 68% of UNLV/UNR students accept shouting down speakers and 32% support violence to silence speech, reflecting widespread self-censorship.

Nevada’s polls, averaging a 3.3-point error since 2016, are more reliable than other swing states but often misjudge close races due to the state’s large and unpredictable nonpartisan voter base. As parties prepare for the 2026 elections, focusing on nonpartisan outreach and early voting trends will be essential for success.

Nevada’s voter registration battle remains tight ahead of the 2026 midterms, with Republicans and Democrats trading leads—Republicans took a 187-voter edge in January, Democrats gained a 3,765-voter lead in August, and Republicans reclaimed a 1,587-voter advantage in September.