Candidates Gear Up for Henderson Mayoral and Council Elections

The political landscape in Henderson, Nevada, is heating up as candidates prepare for the upcoming mayoral and City Council elections. Incumbent Mayor Michelle Romero faces four challengers, including former police chief Hollie Chadwick, while Councilwoman Carrie Cox seeks to retain her Ward 3 seat against three opponents. The filing period for candidates closed on Friday, marking a significant milestone ahead of the June 9, 2025 primary election.

Henderson, a city with a population exceeding 324,000, has seen Romero launch her re-election campaign with considerable momentum. She initially won the mayoral seat in 2022, capturing nearly 76 percent of the votes cast, which allowed her to bypass the general election. Her campaign has raised approximately $726,950 to date, a figure that dwarfs Chadwick’s total of just over $20,000.

Romero has emphasized her accomplishments, notably the establishment of Henderson’s charter school authority and initiatives to enhance public safety. She aims to continue executing the city’s strategic plan, although she acknowledges challenges due to expected flat or declining revenues. “Costs, just like they have for residents and individuals, have skyrocketed in some cases,” she stated, highlighting the difficult decisions ahead regarding funding priorities.

The mayor has garnered endorsements from key figures, including Gov. Joe Lombardo and Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill. She believes these endorsements reflect her commitment to public safety in Henderson. “Who better knows the importance of public safety than the current sheriff and the former sheriff who is now the governor of our state?” Romero commented during a recent forum.

Challenger Hollie Chadwick, who was dismissed as police chief last year, has shifted her focus to recruiting and retaining police officers. She aims to enhance support for law enforcement personnel. “It’s not just about pay but how we outfit them with safety apparatus so that they can go out and do their job,” Chadwick explained. She is advocating for a change in City Council meeting start times to better accommodate residents.

Another candidate, Adam Price, president of the Henderson Democratic Club, has positioned himself as an alternative to the more established candidates. He aims to address housing affordability by curbing corporate landlords and increasing zoning for single-family homes. Price has reported a rise in support as he engages with voters, stating, “There are only three candidates in this race, as far as I’m concerned.”

Political newcomer Andrew “Your Boy Rue” Ramirez is also in the race, having moved to Henderson from California in search of a lower cost of living. He adopted his distinctive nickname for visibility on the ballot and aims to improve community conditions. In contrast, Angeles Scorsetti, an interior designer with a significant social media following, is focused on supporting law enforcement and small businesses.

In the City Council race for Ward 3, incumbent Carrie Cox faces legal challenges alongside her bid for re-election. Cox was indicted on a charge related to monitoring private conversations, a case she firmly denies. Despite these obstacles, she claims strong backing from her constituents, having raised over $102,000 in campaign funds.

Challenger Annette Dawson Owens has earned endorsements from several local leaders and aims to advocate for education and health services. Her previous political experience includes a bid for Assembly District 29, where she garnered nearly 48 percent of the vote. Dawson Owens has raised $100,510 for her current campaign.

Former candidate Jennifer Atlas, a healthcare policy advocate, is also contesting Cox’s seat, focusing on affordability and quality of life. She has received endorsements from local unions and emphasizes the need for collaboration within the council.

Lastly, Leroy Hood, a retired construction dispatcher, is running as an independent candidate. He is critical of the current administration’s spending priorities, particularly regarding infrastructure projects. Hood believes that new leadership is needed to address community concerns and reduce council discord.

As the primary election approaches, early voting will take place from May 23 through June 5. Should no candidate secure a majority in the primaries, the top two contenders will advance to the general election scheduled for November 3, 2025. The Henderson races are shaping up to be highly competitive, with significant implications for the city’s future governance.