State Senate Democrats choose Ford as minority leader

CARSON CITY — Senate Democrats, who lost their majority in the Nov. 4 general election that saw major Republican victories across the state, picked Sen. Aaron Ford of Las Vegas on Tuesday as their minority leader for the 2015 legislative session.

Sen. Mo Denis of Las Vegas had served as majority leader in the 2013 session but announced he would not seek re-election as the leader of the 10-member Senate Democratic caucus.

A statement from Senate Democrats said the change in leadership does not change the priorities of the caucus: “We will continue to focus on fighting for Nevada’s working families and improving our education system so all of Nevada’s kids have an equal opportunity to succeed,” the statement said.

“I am honored to be elected by my colleagues as Democratic Leader of the Nevada Senate Democratic Caucus,” Ford said. “I want to thank Senator Mo Denis for his leadership the past two years. I look forward to working with the governor, our Republican colleagues in the Senate, as well as with our colleagues in the Assembly.”

Democrats controlled the Senate in the 2009, 2011 and 2013 sessions but lost their 11-10 majority when Sen. Justin Jones, D-Las Vegas, lost his District 9 seat to challenger Becky Harris, giving Republicans the 11-10 majority.

The Republican caucus last week named Sen. Michael Roberson, R-Las Vegas, as the incoming majority leader.

Denis said he was honored to serve as majority leader in the 2013 session, which saw additional funding for Zoom Schools and English Language Learner programs, the creation of drivers authorization cards for nonresidents, and an expansion of full-day kindergarten.

“I am proud of what we were able to accomplish, but I believe it is time to hand over the reins to a new leader who can help navigate the 2015 legislative session in the minority,” Denis said. “I am confident Senator Ford will represent us well, and I look forward to working side by side with him next year.”

Nevada Democrats took a beating in most major races, with Republicans winning all six statewide constitutional offices, including governor with the easy re-election of Brian Sandoval to a second four-year term.

Republicans also took over control of the Assembly for the first time since 1985, picking up 10 seats including six held by incumbent Democrats who were ousted.

Assembly Republicans on Friday named Ira Hansen, R-Sparks as speaker designee. His appointment will be formalized when the Legislature convenes in February.

Assembly Democrats also voted last week to keep Marilyn Kirkpatrick, D-North Las Vegas, as their caucus leader.

The Assembly now has a 25-17 Republican majority.

For the first time since 1929, the two houses of the Legislature and the governor are all Republican.