Three Democrats Compete for Open Assembly District 29 Seat in Las Vegas

Three first-time Democratic candidates are competing for the open Assembly District 29 seat, setting up a primary race shaped by Nevada’s budget problems, tax policy, corporate influence, health care cuts, and a divisive debate over film tax credits.

Brad Combs, Ashley Delobel, and Alex Pereszlenyi are all longtime Las Vegas locals seeking to replace Assemblymember Joe Dalia, who is leaving the seat to run for state treasurer. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Joe Ludwig and Libertarian Kathryn “Kat” Nix in the general election.

Assembly District 29 leans Democratic, but the race could still be competitive. Democrats make up about 31% of registered voters in the district, while Republicans account for about 26%. Nonpartisan voters form the largest share of the electorate at roughly 36%.

Candidates Bring Different Professional Backgrounds

Combs is an employment law attorney with Reese Ring Velto and has experience working with labor issues. He said his legal work with the Teamsters gives him direct contact with working people and the problems they face.

Combs also worked as a legislative staffer for former Democratic state Sen. David Parks, experience he says helped him understand how the Legislature operates from the inside.

Pereszlenyi, a data analyst, previously announced a run for Nevada’s 1st Congressional District against Democratic U.S. Rep. Dina Titus before switching to the AD 29 race. He has framed his campaign as a challenge to the political status quo and says Nevada politics should focus more on communities than corporations.

Delobel, a physical therapist, says her work in health care gives her a clear view of how Nevada’s medical system affects ordinary people. She argues that having a health care provider in the Legislature could be valuable as the state prepares for major Medicaid-related challenges.

Nevada’s Budget Crisis Looms Over the Race

The next legislative session is expected to be shaped by a serious budget challenge. Federal cuts connected to a tax and spending bill backed by Donald Trump are expected to reduce funding for major safety-net programs, including Medicaid.

According to estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, Nevada could lose about $590 million in federal funding each year for the next decade once the largest cuts take effect in 2027.

State health officials have warned that Nevada may not be able to absorb those losses without changing its revenue and tax structure. That issue has long been difficult for both Democrats and Republicans in the state Legislature.

Candidates Agree Nevada Needs New Revenue

All three Democratic candidates agree Nevada needs to rethink how it raises money, though they differ in emphasis.

Pereszlenyi said increasing the sales tax or creating a personal income tax should not be options. Nevada’s constitution prohibits a personal income tax. However, he said most other revenue ideas should be considered.

He argued that Nevada relies too heavily on regressive taxes, especially sales taxes, and said the state should shift more responsibility toward corporations.

Combs said lawmakers should look seriously at property tax reform as one way to create a more stable tax system. He also said lawmakers should not rule out increasing the gaming tax, given the seriousness of the state’s budget situation.

Delobel said voters she has spoken with have raised concerns about Nevada’s 6.75% gaming tax rate, which is lower than rates in some other states. She said Nevada needs new revenue ideas and should not continue depending so heavily on tourism and gaming.

Gaming Tax Debate Gains Attention

The gaming tax has become one of the most closely watched revenue questions in Nevada politics. Some residents believe large gaming companies should contribute more, especially as the state faces education, health care, and budget pressures.

Pereszlenyi said gaming companies, along with other corporations, should pay their fair share. He said gaming pays more than mining but still not enough, especially given rising costs for Nevada families.

Combs said an increase should remain on the table but added that lawmakers should bring stakeholders into the discussion and handle the issue carefully.

Delobel said some constituents have suggested that raising the gaming tax could help fund education and other state needs.

Endorsements and Campaign Money Show Different Bases of Support

Combs has received support from several labor organizations, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the AFL-CIO. Campaign finance reports show he has received $18,000 in significant donations from DRIVE, the Teamsters’ political action committee.

Delobel has been endorsed by Emily’s List, the Vegas Chamber, and LiUNA Laborers Local 872. She raised $27,000 in the most recent campaign finance cycle. Her larger donations include $10,000 from the Nevada Association of Health Facilities, $5,000 from former lawmaker and lobbyist Richard Perkins, and $2,500 from Members Only PAC.

Pereszlenyi raised $28,000 in the most recent cycle, though $17,000 came through in-kind contributions such as office space, consulting, photography, and other donated services. He has been endorsed by progressive groups including PLAN Action. James Lally, a progressive Democrat challenging U.S. Rep. Susie Lee, donated $2,000 to his campaign.

Film Tax Credits Divide the Democratic Field

While the budget crisis is a major issue, the race has also been shaped by debate over Nevada’s proposed film tax credit expansion.

During a special session in November, Gov. Joe Lombardo proposed increasing the state’s transferable tax credit cap from $10 million per year to $120 million per year. The proposal had support from some Democrats and from union groups that argued it would create thousands of construction jobs.

Supporters said the plan could help Nevada build a long-term film industry with good-paying union jobs. But a nonpartisan analysis found the proposal could create a $62.1 million structural deficit for the state by fiscal year 2030.

The bill ultimately failed.

Pereszlenyi Opposes the Film Tax Credit Plan

Pereszlenyi said he would not have supported the film tax credit legislation. He described the proposal as a corporate handout and argued that the state should not give large subsidies to companies that may be able to fund projects themselves.

He said the bill offered too much money at a time when Nevada already has limited revenue and growing budget concerns.

Combs Says He Would Have Supported It

Combs said he would have voted for the film tax credit bill, though he acknowledged concerns about offering large tax credits.

He said lawmakers should be skeptical of subsidies but argued that Nevada also needs to look for long-term industries that can create stable jobs with pensions and health care benefits.

When asked about the projected deficit tied to the proposal, Combs said it shows why Nevada needs to find additional revenue sources instead of constantly shifting money from one priority to another.

Delobel Leaves Door Open

Delobel said the film tax credit question is difficult. She said Nevada needs more jobs, but she also expressed concern about supporting a proposal that could create such a large deficit.

She did not rule out supporting a similar plan, but said the financial impact would need to be carefully understood.

AD 29 Race Highlights Bigger Questions for Nevada Democrats

The Democratic primary in Assembly District 29 reflects larger debates facing Nevada lawmakers: how to fund public services, whether corporations should pay more, how to respond to federal Medicaid cuts, and whether public subsidies should be used to attract new industries.

Combs is running with labor support and legislative experience. Delobel is emphasizing health care and practical concerns from working families. Pereszlenyi is campaigning as a progressive critic of corporate influence.

The winner will enter the general election with the Democratic advantage in a blue-leaning district, but the primary itself may reveal where local Democratic voters stand on taxes, corporate power, and Nevada’s economic future.