LGBTQ+ Progressive Voter Guide 2022

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LGBTQ+ | Progressive endorsements

Our choices are as follows:

US SENATE
Cortez Masto, Catherine (Dem)
Nice to have people in the Senate who understand the rule of law. She is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ equality. The Republican in this race is a tRumpster and his record on LGBTQ issues, women’s rights and anything possibly progressive, is pathetic. Even the Republicans are wary of this guy.

REP. IN CONGRESS DIST. 1
Titus, Dina, (Dem)
A lifetime record on our rights and best of all, she’s our friend in Washington.

REP. IN CONGRESS DIST. 2
Krause, Elizabeth Mercedes (Dem)
An educator, a Native American, a member of the Nevada Minority Affairs Commission, believes in depoliticizing immigration, fights for a living wage, a proud union member and believes in reproductive freedom. Mercedes would make an excellent Member of Congress.

REP. IN CONGRESS DIST. 3
Lee, Susie, (Dem)
Exemplary Member of Congress and a champion of everything we know to be right, fair and equal. We’re proud to endorse.

REP. IN CONGRESS DIST. 4
Horsford, Steven A. (Dem)
We absolutely must hold onto a D majority in the House. We need everyone to fight to get Steven Horsford re-elected. A champion on our issues.

GOVERNOR
Sisolak, Steve (Dem)
He’s done a good job and we absolutely must help the Dems retain the governorship. It’s important for the survival of democracy and women’s right to choose. The Republican, a popular Clark County Sheriff can’t be trusted on immigration, abortion, or progressive issues. Not only has he lied to the voters while Sheriff, but he’s also been clawing his way to the bottom, just to get the tRump nod.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Cano Burkhead, Elizabeth “Lisa” (Dem)
Great choice, has done a good job. Let’s keep her.

SECRETARY OF STATE
Aguilar Francisco “Cisco” (Dem)
This is an important office to keep integrity in our elections. The well-known Republican is an election denier, and doesn’t believe in mail-in ballots (despite being a regular user of them). The former Republican office holder (Barbara Cegavske) preserved Nevada’s election integrity. Jim Marchant, the GOP nominee, is being investigated as being one of the “fake electors” seeking to overturn the 2020 election.

STATE TREASURER
Conine, Zach (Dem)
Great guy, no primary. Boyd law graduate. The well-known Republican nominee would be the fox guarding the henhouse.

STATE CONTROLLER
Spiegel, Ellen (Dem)
We know Ellen Spiegel. Solid on our issues.

ATTORNEY GENERAL
Ford, Aaron D. (Dem)
Supportive and fair. A person of his word. This is another office where you never want a Republican to be in charge. We’re proud of the great job AG Ford has done.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 2
Flores, Edgar (Dem)
Believes in a community-led approach to legislation. Believes people impacted by out-dated marijuana laws should not be banned from licenses in this industry (as they are now). Favors expansion of the Nevada DREAM Act.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 8
Loop, Marilyn Dondero (Dem)
Consistently good on our issues. The Republican candidate doesn’t measure up.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 9
Scheible, Melanie (Dem)
Solid on our issues.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 10
Donate, Fabian (Dem)
Made a name for himself in the last session. Focused on healthcare. Let’s keep him.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 12
Pazina, Julie Ann (Dem)
Lost her last election by 24 votes. This shows how important your vote can be.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 20
Foutz, Brent (Dem)
Not a lot of info on Foutz but he’s needed to caucus with the Dems just to help keep the majority. If the Dems lose the majority, nothing positive gets done!

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 21
Ohrenschall, James (Dem)
Supporters don’t get any stronger than him. He is consistently good on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 1
Monroe-Moreno, Daniele (Dem)
A strong supporter, and one of the better members of the Assembly.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 2
Christenson, Nick (Dem)
Great guy and deserves your vote.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 3
Torres, Selena Elizabeth (Dem)
Working to remove barriers to healthcare access, criminal justice reform and supports women’s right to choice. Very progressive.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 4
Burns, Darby Lee, (Lib)
He’s all about “decentralizing,” so we assume he would disband the legislature, given the chance.
McArthur, Richard (Rep)
He’s not good on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 5
Miller, Brittney (Dem)
An experienced legislator, working to improve education, criminal justice and government accountability.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 6
Summers-Armstrong, Shondra (Dem)
The incumbent and doing a great job.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 7
Miller, Cameron Homer “C.H.” (Dem)
The incumbent and doing a great job.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 8
Nguyen, Duy (Dem)
He knows the community, our issues and works hard.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 9
Yeager, Steve (Dem)
Has many progressive endorsements. Definitely in our corner.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 10
Nguyen, Rochelle (Dem)
Education, including assistance to DACA recipients and equitable access to healthcare are a few or her priorities. Let’s keep her in this office!

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 11
Duran, Beatrice “Bea (Dem)
A champion for raising the minimum wage, union activist and healthcare advocate. Let’s keep her in this position.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 12
Carter, II, Max E (Dem)
Endorsed by CCEA and at least six major unions and has the nod from the NV Assembly Democratic Caucus. This is the guy we want.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 13
Rucker, Will (Dem)
Believes in building equitable communities with universal access to ‘life, liberty, and happiness,’ plus he understands LGBTQ+ issues because he’s ‘one of us.’

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 14
Mosca, Erica (Dem)
Filipina, works in education and non-profits. Willing to listen and learn.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 15
Watts, Howard (Dem)
This smart-incumbent is fantastic on our issues. Plus, he’s a great guy!

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 16
González, Cecelia (Dem)
Self-identifies as a Thai-Mexican American LGBT+ woman, all areas that are under-represented in state government. Committed to helping us solve the homeless crisis in Southern Nevada.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 17
Thomas, Clara “Claire (Dem)
100% on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 18
Considine, Venicia” (Dem)
Awesome woman.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 19
Yurek, Thaddeus “Toby (Rep)
He was the best Republican in the primary and no Dems ran for this seat. He will be elected.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 20
Orentlicher, David (Dem)
A doctor, a professor, and a lawyer walk into the bar of the Assembly … and pass legislation! He’s all that.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 21
Marzola, Elaine (Dem)
Has worked hard on labor, education, and judiciary issues. Has a degree in women’s studies from UNLV and a law degree, working as both an attorney and law clerk.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 22
Ramos, Rick (Dem)
Probably the most important thing we can say about Rick Ramos is that we need a Democrat in this office, rather than the conservative incumbent.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 23
Brickfield, Elizabeth, (Dem)
An amazing and remarkable attorney and socially conscious!

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 24
Sarah Peters (Dem)
100% on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 28
D’Silva, Reuben, (Dem)
Some very good points, mentions LGBTQ positively. He’s run before against progressive incumbents, which we didn’t like. That said, he’s ambitious and we urged him to run for a lower office first. This is a good spot for him and let’s let him prove his mettle.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 29
Cohen, Lesley Elizabeth, (Dem)
Incumbent and perfect for the job.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 30
Natha Anderson (Dem)
100% on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 34
Bilbray-Axelrod, Shannon (Dem)
Incumbent and great on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 35
Gorelow, Michelle, (Dem)
Incumbent and let’s keep her.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 36
Hafen, II, Gregory T (Rep)
Represents multiple counties (rural Clark, Lincoln and Nye).

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 37
Backus, Shea, (Dem)
Great on our issues.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 41
Jauregui, Sandra, (Dem)
She’s one of the reasons we have marriage equality in our state constitution.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 42
Brown-May, Tracy, (Dem)
Appointed last session but hit the ground running. Let’s keep her.

COUNTY COMM. DIST. E
Segerblom, “Tick”, (Dem)
Incumbent. Great on our issues and that’ll never go up in smoke.

COUNTY COMM. DIST. F
Jones, Justin, (Dem)
Incumbent. Right on all our issues, all the time.

COUNTY COMM. DIST. G
Gibson, Jim, (Dem)
Incumbent. An ally on the Commission.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Wolfson, Steve, (Dem)
He’ll get elected and there’s little you can do!

COUNTY ASSESSOR
Johnson, Briana, (Dem)
Incumbent, doing a great job.

COUNTY CLERK
Goya, Lynn Marie, (Dem)
Incumbent. We genuinely like her.

COUNTY RECORDER
Conway, Debbie, (Dem)
Incumbent and doing a great job.

COUNTY TREASURER
Diaz, J. Ken, (Dem)
Experienced and trustworthy. Currently is #2 in command at this office. We’ve known and liked him for years.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR
Reid, Rita Pate (Dem)
This is an office where the wrong person literally has a license to steal. Reid is the best choice.

STATE AND DISTRICT NON-PARTISAN OFFICES

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT, SEAT A
Bell, Linda (Non-P)

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT, SEAT E
Parraguirre, Ron D (Non-P)

COURT OF APPEALS, DEPT. 1
Westbrook, Deborah (Non-P)
Experienced in both criminal and civil matters. Served for years as a public defender. She helped revise the rules of Appellate Procedure for Nevada. This is our choice.
Forsberg, Rhonda K (Non-P)
Both candidates would be a stellar replacement for Jerry Tao. Rhonda has a family law background and currently serves as a judge in the 8th Judicial District Court.

COURT OF APPEALS, DEPT. 2
Gibbons, Michael (Non-P)

COURT OF APPEALS, DEPT. 3
Bulla, Bonnie (Non-P)

DIST. COURT JUDGE DEPT. 9
Gall, Maria (Non-P)
Highly qualified and appointed to fill an unexpired term. Her opponent in this race is bad, bad news.

DIST. COURT JUDGE DEPT. 11
Albertson, Anna (Non-P)
Has spent much of her career representing the disadvantaged, often pro bono. She is a member of Lambda, the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. This is a dual endorsement.

Roohani, Ellie, (Non-P)
Very progressive and just appointed. She is a former prosecutor, which we don’t normally endorse as a judge, but she is exceptional. This is a dual endorsement.

DIST. COURT JUDGE DEPT. 17
Schwartz, Jennifer
Has spent decades fighting for legal equality and compassion. Participates in community betterment, understands that the judiciary is often biased due to socioeconomic status or color. Comes from the unique background of having grandparents that were Holocaust survivors.

DIST. COURT JUDGE, FAMILY DIVISION, DEPT. A
Parlade, Mari D
Both David Jacks and Mari D Parlade appear to be well-qualified. Of the six persons running for this position, Jacks and Parlade are the only two who appear to have argued their credentials and community activism (the others only asked for campaign donations). Both have extensive experience in family law. Parlade has worked for the Clark County Family Services, so we’re giving the nod to her, but David Jacks could be a good choice.

REGENT STATE UN. DIST. 6
Brown, Heather

REGENT STATE UN. DIST. 7
Crete, David “Coach”

REGENT STATE UN. DIST. 13
Moran, John, (Non-P)
Incumbent. The Regents sacked their chancellor at a cost of $610,000. Moran was on the right side of this controversy. Let’s keep him.

TRUSTEE, CCSD DIST. D
Cepeda, Irene
This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee/irene-capeda and read the responses this candidate has given to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey.
Zamora, Brenda
This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee/brenda-zamora and read the responses this candidate has given to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey. Brenda Zamora identifies as bisexual. The majority of the endorsement board, including Chris Giunchigliani, supports Brenda Zamora.

TRUSTEE, CCSD DIST. F
Bustamante Adams, Irene
This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee/irene-adams-bustamente and read the responses this candidate has given to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey.
Ford, Danielle
This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We would suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee but apparently Danielle Ford had not responded to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey before our deadline. The majority of the endorsement board, including Chris Giunchigliani, supports Danielle Ford.

TRUSTEE, CCSD DIST. G
Cavazos, Linda P.
This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee/linda-p-cavazos/ and read the responses this candidate has given to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey. The majority of the endorsement board, including Chris Giunchigliani, supports Linda Cavazos.
Wieman, Greg
This is a race where our endorsement board could not come to a consensus. We would suggest voters visit https://votesmartnv.org/trustee but apparently Greg Wieman did not respond to Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey.

BOULDER CITY COUNCIL
James Howard Adams
Incumbent, has a really great grasp of the complexities and nuances of Boulder City. Strongly endorsed!

HEND. COUNCIL, WARD III
Cox, Carrie
Tough race. Her opponent is a well-known real estate broker, endorsed by many conservatives. Carrie Cox was the only candidate to complete the Battle Born Progress’ VoteSmartNV survey, so we’re going with Carrie Cox.

LV CITY COUNCIL, WARD 4
Francis Allen-Palenske
A decent person and the best choice.

LV CITY COUNCIL, WARD 6
Nancy Brune
Great person, Latina, has her PhD., ran the Guinn Center for Policy Priorities.

NORTH LAS VEGAS MAYOR
Pat Spearman
State Senator, knows how to fight, understands our issues (she’s one of us). This City Council needs a leader and she’s the one for the job. Passed the bill to add transgender as a protected class. She also fought for legislation to upgrade discharges for LGBTQ service members. She helped change the game for LGBTQ foster parents and helped ban conversion therapy. Retired military, Senator Spearman knows how to fight and she can be the most powerful advocate we could hope for.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR
Reid, Rita Pate (Dem)
This is an office where the wrong person literally has a license to steal. Reid is the best choice

TOWNSHIP OFFICES (NON-P)

CONSTABLE GOODSPRINGS
Rogers, Gary P
Incumbent, has done a good job and straightened out some accounting issues the office had during his first year. Has served 12 years.

CONSTABLE LAUGHLIN TWP.
Ross, Jordan, (Non-P)
Beneath his brusque exterior, lies a teddy bear.

CONSTABLE NLV TWP.
Lopez, Jr., Delgado M, (Non-P)
Strong supporter of our community

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE LAS
VEGAS TWP. DEPARTMENT 6
Goodey, Jessica (Non-P)
We’re endorsing her because she’s not Bill Gonzalez!

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE LAS
VEGAS TWP. DEPARTMENT 7
Berkley, Max, (Non-P)
All day, every day! Worked in the Clark County Public Defender’s Office. He will be great on the bench and sympathetic to those with financial issues and poverty matters. His mom was our favorite Congresswoman!
Wilson, Amy, (Non-P)
Former LDS with emphasis on “former.” Represented kids in foster care, pro-bono. We like her but we’re going with Max Berkley.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE LAS
VEGAS TWP. DEPARTMENT 9
Bonaventure, Joe, (Non-P)
Incumbent, fair and even on his rulings. (Don’t confuse him with the disgraced John Bonaventura.)
Chio, Danielle “Pieper, (Non-P
She’s a great person, we like her but the incumbent has done a good job, so we’ll stick with Joe Banaventure.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE LAS
VEGAS TWP. DEPARTMENT 10
Dotson, Cybil, (Non-P)
This is the best choice.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE LAS
VEGAS TWP. DEPARTMENT  13
Saxe, Rebecca, (Non-P)
She is a Clark County Public Defender and will work hard!

State Ballot Questions

State Question Num. 1 – YES
Shall the Nevada Constitution be amending by adding a specific guarantee that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by this State or any of its cities, counties, or other political subdivisions on account of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin?
Yes
A yes vote secures the right of every Nevadan to be treated equally by the state. Those arguing to oppose this measure bring up a bunch of rightwing-radio blather that is totally discredited.

State Question Num. 2 – YES
Shall the Nevada Constitution be amended, effective July 1, 2024, to (1) establish the State’s minimum wage that employers must pay to certain employees at a rate of $12 per hour worked,

subject to any applicable increases above that $12 rate provided by federal law or enacted by the Nevada Legislature; (2) remove the existing provisions setting different rates for the minimum wage based on whether the employer offers certain health benefits to such employees; and (3) remove the existing provisions for adjusting the minimum wage based on applicable increases in the cost of living?
Yes
While we would prefer things like minimum wage weren’t in the Nevada Constitution, the fact is that they are. Minimum wages need to be adjusted as the cost-of-living increases and this amendment will allow for that. Let’s vote yes.

State Question Num. 3 – NO
Shall the Nevada Constitution be amended to allow all Nevada voters the right to participate in open primary elections to choose candidates for the general election in which all voters may then rank the remaining candidates by preference for the offices of U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Controllers, Attorney General and State Legislators?
No
While the advertised arguments for this ballot question sound convincing, ask yourself WHO is paying for them? This will allow outsiders to pour money into the state and they could easily swing the election for an inferior candidate in one party, swaying the election towards their preferred candidate of the other party in the general election.
The argument that only party-affiliated voters can decide who runs to represent that party in the general election can be solved by those not-affiliated to simply join a party. Each party should be able to decide which candidate they want to put forward as their standard bearer for the general election — not those from other parties or those who refuse to join a party. Everyone’s welcome to vote in the general — no one is “denied the vote. “Those 600,000 “non-party affiliated voters” decided to opt-out of the primary, all on their own.
Additionally, without the ability to “whip votes, ”difficult issues such as human rights, likely would not pass if political parties are weakened, which this measure would do. Third party candidates are likely to play “spoiler” to a candidate from an established political party, than to win the election themselves. The measure is evil, even if their veteran spokesperson looks genuine. Vote NO on 3.

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