‘Mayor Goodman’ era in Las Vegas ending: Who could be next to fill those big shoes?

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Las Vegas has had a Goodman in the mayor’s seat since the turn of the century, but that’s ending soon with at least 15 candidates lined up to lead the city.

Well-known public servants and political unknowns have filed to replace Las Vegas Mayor Carolynn G. Goodman, who is finishing her fourth term and is not eligible to run again. She succeeded her husband, Oscar Goodman, who was elected mayor in 1999.

The deadline for candidates to file for office is Friday, March 15 — today at the close of business, just hours away. The mayor’s race is among the most interesting that will appear on ballots this year. But only Las Vegas residents will have a say. Other races will decide seats in municipal, county, state and federal government. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting races:

Las Vegas mayor

Current City Council members Cedric Crear and Victoria Seaman go up against former U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley and at least 12 others. The full list of candidates:

• Cedric Crear

• Daniel Joseph Chapman

• Deb Peck

• Donna G. Miller

• Eric Thomas Medlin

• Irina Hansen

• Janiecia Fernandez

• Kara “KJ” Jenkins

• Kolawole S. Akingbade

• Lynn Baird

• Michael Pacino

• Shelley Berkley

• Tera Anderson

• Victoria Seaman

• William Walls, III

The mayoral election is nonpartisan. If no candidate wins a majority of the vote on June 11, a runoff will take place on Nov. 5 in the general election.

U.S. House of Representatives

Incumbent Democrats U.S. Rep. Susie Lee in CD3 and U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford in CD4 have been targeted by Republicans in this year’s election. Seven Republicans are competing in the primary to unseat Lee, and four Republicans are in the primary for Horsford’s seat — but he’s got a Democratic challenger to defeat first.

Lee survived the 2022 campaign, defeating April Becker by about 10,000 votes. This election she’ll be up against the winner among Republican challengers Elizabeth Helgelien, Drew Johnson, Steve London, Brian Nadell, Marty O’Donnell, Steve Schiffman and Dan Schwartz. Democrats campaigned heavily on protecting abortion rights in 2022, and it’s likely to be a theme again.

Horsford had an easier win in 2022, but Republican John Lee could present a tougher challenge if he emerges as the party’s candidate. David Flippo, Bruce Frazey and Alberto Orozco are the other Republican contenders. Horsford faces a Democratic primary challenge from U.S. Navy veteran Levy Shultz.

U.S. Senate

Democratic U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen is seeking her second term in the Senate, and a crowded field — two Democrats and 10 Republicans — is after her seat.

Republican Sam Brown has national support for his campaign, and much of the focus has been directed at him. Criticism comes from the state Democratic Party and his Republican opponents, who view him as an outsider. Brown is a retired U.S. Army captain who received a Purple Heart after he was injured by an IED in Afghanistan.

Clark County Commission

Commissioner Ross Miller is not running for re-election in District C, opening the door for a competitive race that currently has five candidates. Democratic Assemblywoman Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod and Republican April Becker are the biggest names in the race.

Las Vegas City Council Ward 5

With Cedric Crear running for Las Vegas mayor, two Democrats from the Nevada Assembly have their eyes on his seat. Cameron “CH” Miller and Shondra Summers-Armstrong are running for the spot on the City Council. They are joined by Sheila Collins, Katherine “Katie” Duncan, Barbara Jones Zangaro and Mariana Catherine Santiago.

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