State Assembly District 1 in Nevada State House District 1, Nevada

2026 Primary Election

• Jo Cato — Candidate for Nevada State Assembly in NV

  Jo Cato, a Democratic candidate for Nevada State Assembly District 1, is running in the June 9, 2026 primary. Her platform centers on strengthening communities through key policy initiatives. She champions veterans' access to housing, healthcare, and job opportunities. Cato supports a strong economy by investing in workforce development, local hiring, and creating good-paying jobs. She aims to strengthen education by connecting classrooms to careers through vocational training and apprenticeships. Additionally, Cato advocates for attainable housing solutions, protecting renters and homeowners while expanding access to affordable living options, believing working people are the foundation of strong communities.

• Louis "big Lou" Desalvio — Union president in NV

  Louis "Big Lou" Desalvio is a Democratic candidate for the Nevada State Assembly in 2026, seeking to represent District 1. A union president, Desalvio has a history of engaging in state politics, having previously run for the Nevada State Assembly District 13 as a Democrat in both 2010 and 2012. In 2010, he won his primary election but was defeated in the general election.

• Alexis Elizabeth Esparza — Chief Union Steward in Las Vegas, NV

  Alexis Esparza, a Democrat, is a lifelong Nevadan, working mom, and Chief Union Steward with SEIU Local 1107. Raised in a union household with immigrant roots, she is a proud graduate of Clark County public schools and previously worked in public service at the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. She is running for Nevada State Assembly District 1 to bring a working-class voice to Carson City, advocating for policies that help families thrive. Her platform prioritizes affordable housing, quality healthcare, fair wages, strong public schools, and lowering the cost of living. Esparza is committed to fighting for collective bargaining, protecting pensions, expanding paid family leave, and ensuring all Nevadans can afford basic necessities without fear of crushing debt.

• James Fennell Jr. — Homeowners association community manager and transportation professional in NV

  James Fennell Jr. is a Democratic candidate for the Nevada State Assembly, seeking to represent District 1 in the 2026 primary election. Born in Los Angeles, California, he holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Southern University, which he earned in 2009, and also studied at Morehouse College. His professional background includes experience in transportation and as a homeowners association community manager. A Baptist, Fennell Jr. has been actively involved in the Democratic Party, serving as a Nevada Democratic Party delegate in 2020. He is running for an open seat, as the incumbent for District 1 is retiring.

• Millan "mack" Gledhill — Political Operative in North Las Vegas, NV

  Millan Gledhill, known as Mack, is a Democratic candidate for Nevada State Assembly District 1, running in the primary on June 9, 2026. A recent university graduate with interests in politics and film, Gledhill possesses a robust background in political organizing and advocacy. He is currently a Rise 25 Fellow, focusing on digital content creation for progressive causes. His past roles include Co Lead of the Nevada Youth Activist Alliance, Resident Assistant at UNLV, and a Field Organizer for Rise, where he engaged in voter contact and event planning. Gledhill also served as a Deputy Field Organizer for the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, contributing to voter outreach and mobilization efforts.

• Tarik A. "tab" Barnes — Sales representative in NV

  Tarik Barnes is a candidate for the Nevada State Assembly, seeking to represent District 1 in the 2026 general election. As an independent candidate, he is set to appear on the ballot on November 3, 2026. He previously completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey for the 2026 election. Barnes is a high school graduate, having earned his diploma from Bonanza High School. His professional background includes experience working as a sales representative. He is running for a seat in a district where the incumbent Democrat is retiring.