Ellen Spiegel joins race for secretary of state

Former Democratic Assemblywoman Ellen Spiegel, D-Las Vegas, has joined the contention for Nevada caput of state, bringing to 5 the fig of announced candidates hoping to win termed-out incumbent Republican Barbara Cegavske.

Setting distant her candidacy successful a connection Wednesday, Spiegel, who mislaid her bid for a authorities Senate spot past twelvemonth successful a three-way Democratic primary, said “voting rights and our mode of beingness are nether attack.” The caput of authorities is the state’s main elections officer.

“I recognize the connection ‘fighting’ is apt the astir overused connection successful politics,” Spiegel said successful her announcement. “That said, anyone moving for immoderate Secretary of State bureau successful immoderate authorities successful the U.S. amended beryllium acceptable for a fight.”

Republican-controlled states successful the aftermath of the 2020 predetermination person passed tighter controls and limits connected voting, citing unproved and refuted claims of ballot container fraud. State and section elections officials of some parties besides person been threatened, with immoderate receiving other information protection.

Nevada, controlled by Democrats, expanded entree to the ballot successful 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, enacting changes specified arsenic universal mail-in balloting that were imperishable this year.

Beyond safeguarding voting rights, Spiegel cited commitments to issues including women’s reproductive health, nationalist education, warring clime change, LGBTQ rights, economical equality and amended wellness attraction access.

A Henderson resident, she owns a consulting steadfast with her husband. She cited backing for her candidacy from authorities Sen. Dina Neal, D-North Las Vegas, authorities Controller Catherine Byrne and Nevada NOW President Jeri Burton.

Attorney, erstwhile authorities Athletic Commission seat and onetime Harry Reid staffer Cisco Aguilar is besides seeking the bureau arsenic a Democrat. Three Republican candidates person announced: erstwhile Assemblyman Jim Marchant, R-Las Vegas, Sparks City Councilman Kristopher Dahir and erstwhile KSNV Channel 3 anchor Gerard Ramalho.

Contact Capital Bureau newsman Bill Dentzer astatine bdentzer@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DentzerNews connected Twitter.