Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

election 2012:

Sheila Leslie concedes close state Senate race

Click to enlarge photo

Sheila Leslie

Click to enlarge photo

Greg Brower

Democrat Sheila Leslie conceded her state Senate race against incumbent state Sen. Greg Brower, R-Reno, on Wednesday, ending the tight race that was decided by 266 votes.

It confirms that Republicans won three out of five state Senate seats, but Democrats maintained their 11-10 Senate majority.

“While the margin of my loss was very small, the people have chosen their representative and I accept their decision with gratitude for the democratic process,” she said. “Although issues such as provisional ballots may continue to be debated as the official canvass unfolds, I believe in the integrity of our voting process and am sure any irregularities will be adequately explored by election officials in the course of their duties.”

Leslie, first as an assemblywoman and then as a senator, was known as one of the Legislature’s most vocal liberals and advocates for the poor. She resigned a safe Democratic seat to challenge Brower, who was seen as a strong Republican incumbent.

Republicans on Wednesday also announced that Sen. Michael Roberson, R-Las Vegas, who led the GOP campaign, would be their minority leader; Sen. Ben Kieckhefer, R-Reno, would be assistant minority leader; and Sen. Joe Hardy, R-Boulder City, will be whip. Senate Democrats are also meeting tonight to decide who their leader will be. It is expected to be Sen. Mo Denis, D-Las Vegas.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy