Governor Sisolak announces Legislative Special Session on Redistricting

Governor Steve Sisolak has announced a redistricting special session starting Friday at 1 pm, during which state lawmakers will draw Nevada’s congressional and legislative maps for the next ten years. Earlier this week, the Democratic majority released the legislative maps for review and public comment.

This morning, Sisolak tweeted:

I look forward to an efficient and productive session to fulfill the constitutional obligation ensuring representation is reflective of our population according to the latest Census figures.

— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) November 11, 2021

Per the Nevada Independent: “Sisolak’s office said the actual proclamation calling the special session will be issued on Friday morning, as state offices are closed Thursday for Veterans Day. In addition to redistricting and reapportionment of districts, Sisolak’s office also said the Legislature would consider a “temporary” adjustment to the candidate filing period for judicial candidates, pushing it back from January to March, when non-judicial candidates are required to file for office.”

Assembly Republican Leader Robin Titus (R-Wellington) argued that Nevada’s purple state status and large contingent of nonpartisan voters should be reflected in the maps, asking that constituents deserving a seat at the table in this released video on Twitter 

We are a true swing state with 38% of voters who do not identify as Dem or GOP. A 4% advantage in registration is not grounds for super majorities in both chambers. Nevadans need to pay attention this #nvleg #SpecialSession https://t.co/p1ZVxbkH7G pic.twitter.com/xL4OOlQm8b

— Dr. Robin Titus (@drrobintitus) November 11, 2021

Republican Assemblyman Jim Wheeler told The Globe: “This is gerrymandering at its absolute worst. [With these maps] We are at six solid republican seats in the senate and eight if we are lucky (swing districts). We will be in the super minority for the next 10 years and that was their whole point—even with a banner Republican year which we are expecting. There will be lawsuits and they a will be heard by the Nevada Supreme Court.”

The special legislative session is open to the public and will likely take a few days to complete. As Wheeler indicated, the Democrats will “ram this through” and without a Republican majority, “there isn’t much we can do to stop them.”  The Nevada Globe will be covering the session and providing daily updates.