In a recent primary election in Las Vegas, former Nevada congresswoman Shelley Berkley and current City Council member Victoria Seaman emerged as the two leading candidates for mayor. This marks the first time in 25 years that someone other than a Goodman will hold the position, as the current mayor, Carolyn Goodman, is term-limited. The Goodmans have held the mayoral position for the past several terms, with Carolyn following in the footsteps of her husband, former mayor Oscar Goodman, known for his flamboyant persona as a former mob lawyer turned politician.
Berkley, a former attorney and Democratic state Assembly member with a long history of community involvement, garnered over one-third of the votes in the primary but did not reach the 50% threshold needed to win outright. Seaman, a former Republican state Assembly member who won a special election in 2019 to represent a residential area west of downtown and the Las Vegas Strip, received almost 30% of the vote. The runoff election between Berkley and Seaman is set to take place in November, with the winner being sworn in as mayor in January to replace Carolyn Goodman.
Both Berkley and Seaman have outlined their priorities for the city, with Berkley emphasizing community involvement and Seaman focusing on issues such as public safety, homelessness, affordable housing, a business-friendly environment, and transparency in city government. The city of Las Vegas does not include the famous Strip, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Clark County commission. Despite their differing backgrounds and political affiliations, both candidates have expressed their commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the residents of Las Vegas.
Berkley expressed her satisfaction with the primary results and acknowledged the dedication of her fellow candidates to the election process. She highlighted the importance of counting the remaining mail-in ballots before the final results are confirmed. Seaman, on the other hand, viewed the primary as a crucial step towards protecting Las Vegas and outlined her plans for addressing various issues facing the city. With the upcoming runoff election, both Berkley and Seaman will have the opportunity to present their visions for the future of Las Vegas and engage with voters to secure their support.
As the campaign for mayor continues, the focus will be on how each candidate plans to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Las Vegas. From economic development and public safety to affordable housing and transparency in government, the next mayor will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Nevada’s largest city. With the Goodmans’ long reign coming to an end, Berkley and Seaman represent a new era of leadership that will seek to continue the city’s growth and prosperity while addressing the diverse needs of its residents. The outcome of the upcoming election will determine who will lead Las Vegas into the next chapter of its history.
