Ryan Hampton Announces Candidacy for Nevada Assembly Seat
A Democratic candidate has officially declared his intention to run for the Nevada Assembly seat in District 9, following the announcement that current Speaker Steve Yeager will not seek re-election. Ryan Hampton, an addiction recovery advocate, made his candidacy known on October 3, 2023, through a video posted on social media platform X.
Hampton aims to represent the southwest Las Vegas district, which Yeager has held since 2017. In his announcement, Hampton emphasized his commitment to improving the lives of Nevadans. “My commitment is to wake up every single day and fight like hell to strengthen our schools, expand affordable health care, protect our freedoms, create good paying jobs and tackle the housing affordability crisis,” he stated in the video. He further articulated his vision for a Nevada where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, asserting that “no one, and I mean no one is left behind.”
In the 2024 election cycle, Hampton previously ran for Assembly in District 4, located in the northwest Las Vegas Valley. Despite his efforts, he lost to Republican Assemblymember Lisa Cole by nearly 9 percentage points. The upcoming race in District 9 is expected to be competitive. Yeager narrowly defeated Republican opponent Erica Neely in the last election, securing victory with 51.1 percent of the vote compared to Neely’s 48.9 percent.
Hampton’s announcement follows a significant shift in the Assembly leadership, as both Yeager and Majority Floor Leader Sandra Jauregui have confirmed they will not run for re-election in 2026. Both lawmakers have served five regular sessions along with five special sessions. Yeager mentioned to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he is contemplating his future options, though he did not specify whether he would pursue another office.
As the political landscape evolves, the implications of these changes in leadership and the emergence of new candidates may significantly impact the upcoming elections. Voters in District 9 will be looking for a candidate who addresses their needs and concerns, setting the stage for an engaging electoral season ahead.
