Candidates turn out as filing period opens for 2014 elections

By Conor Shine

Published Monday, March 3, 2014 | 12:07 p.m.

Updated Monday, March 3, 2014 | 6:30 p.m.

Campaign season officially kicked off today with the opening of the filing period for nonjudicial candidates in November’s upcoming election.

More than 200 candidates filed to run for a variety of offices, including the county commission, state Senate, state Assembly, U.S. House of Representatives and the governor’s office.

In the governor’s race, Republicans Edward Hamilton and Thomas Tighe signed up to challenge incumbent Brian Sandoval, who holds a commanding fundraising advantage. Abdul Shabazz, Stephen Frye and John Rutledge filed to run for governor as Democrats. Sandoval has yet to officially file, but his re-election efforts have been underway for months.

In the race for lieutenant governor, Republican state Sen. Mark Hutchinson is the first candidate to officially file. He’ll face a primary challenge from former state Sen. Sue Lowden, who also filed Monday. Democratic Assemblywoman Lucy Flores announced Saturday she’d also be running for lieutenant governor and is expected to formalize her candidacy Tuesday.

Republican Rep. Joe Heck filed for re-election to Congress representing an area that includes Henderson and parts of unincorporated Clark County. Independent candidate Steven St. John also filed to run for the seat.

In Congressional District 4, which covers parts of Clark County and several rural counties, Republicans Niger Innis and Cresent Hardy filed to run for the seat currently held by Democrat Al Horsford.

In local races, several incumbents filed to keep their countywide offices. District Attorney Steve Wolfson, County Assessor Michele Shafe, County Clerk Diana Alba, County Recorder Debbie Conway and County Treasurer Laura Fitzpatrick all submitted paperwork to be on the ballot.

A total of 195 candidates filed to run for office with the Clark County Election Department on Monday. That total does not include statewide offices. Many more are expected over the next two weeks, with the filing period closing on March 14.

A full list of candidates for local office can be found on the Clark County Elections Department website, while candidates for statewide office can be found through the Nevada Secretary of State's website.