Las Vegas Sun

April 23, 2024

African-Americans hold 2 highest posts in state Legislature

NV Dems press Conference 2016

Mikayla Whitmore

Senate Democratic Leader Aaron D. Ford speaks during a press conference by the Nevada State Democratic Party in Las Vegas, Nev. on June 15, 2016.

African-Americans will hold the two most powerful positions in the Nevada Legislature after Democrats scored broad victories in the state.

State Sen. Aaron Ford will continue leading Senate Democrats, who are newly in the majority after Tuesday's election.

Assemblyman Jason Frierson was elected to the top post of speaker in a chamber where Democrats now hold a wide majority. Frierson lost his Assembly seat in an upset last cycle but returned and vowed a forward-thinking agenda to address Americans' fears about their economic security.

On the Republican side, Sen. Michael Roberson will continue at the helm of his caucus as Senate minority leader. Assembly Republicans are planning to finalize their leadership assignments over the weekend, but Assemblyman Paul Anderson is expected to hold the top post.

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