Assembly Democrats have announced Venise Karris as their endorsed candidate for Assembly District 10, a vacant seat formerly held by Assemblywoman Sabra Smith Newby who resigned in August to become a deputy city manager for Las Vegas. The seat was formerly held by Democratic Assemblywoman Rochelle Nguyen who was appointed to state senate.

The district has largely been a democratic stronghold since 2012 and covers parts of Las Vegas and extends as far east as Interstate 15 and as far west as Cimarron Road, between Charleston Boulevard and Desert Inn Road.

In their announcement, Assembly leader Steve Yeager said, “She has a decades-long history in the district, and I am confident she will connect with the residents of Assembly District 10 and bring a unique perspective to the legislature.”

Karris, now retired, was a 27 year journeyman electrician with the IBEW and a union activist. Karris vows to fight for “good-paying union jobs” while “tackling the climate crisis” and improving public schools.

Karris has yet to launch a campaign website and does not have a social media presence.

Assembly Democrats hold a 28-14 supermajority in the legislature with eight Assembly Democrats announcing they will not seek re-election or run for another office. Assemblywomen Clara Thomas (AD-1) and Angie Taylor (AD-27) recently announced that they will be running for state Senate.

Yesterday, Assemblywoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong (AD-6) announced that she will not seek re-election after serving two terms in the Assembly. Instead, Summer-Armstrong will pursue a Las Vegas City Council seat (Ward 5) currently held by Cedric Crear who is running for mayor.

Armstong will likely face Assemblyman C.H. Miller who also announced he will not seek re-election but has yet to announce his candidacy for Ward 5. Ward 5 includes portions of the Historic Westside, downtown Las Vegas and neighborhoods in the northwestern part of the valley.