The election for Clark County Commission District F is marked by a dynamic shift due to a strong nonpartisan candidate backed by one of the state’s most prominent unions. Independent candidate Becky Harris, a former state legislator and the first woman to chair the Nevada Gaming Control Board, is presenting a notable challenge in the race. She is contending against Democrat Minja Yan, a progressive political newcomer, and Republican Heidi Kasama, a current state Assembly member.
Harris's independent candidacy is particularly significant, as most third-party or independent candidates in county commission races typically do not possess her level of political experience or secure such high-profile endorsements. Her backing includes the Culinary union, known for its extensive grassroots organizing, often for Democratic candidates. Further endorsements for Harris come from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Hispanics in Politics, Ironworkers Local 433, and former state legislators from both major political parties. Harris explained her nonpartisan stance to KTNV, stating that she has “always been an independent thinker” and that running as nonpartisan best represents her.
Harris was elected to the Nevada State Senate in 2014, representing her district for two legislative sessions before she resigned in January 2018 to serve as chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Her tenure at the board was characterized by significant events, including sexual misconduct allegations that ultimately led to the resignation of casino titan Steve Wynn, the legalization of marijuana, and the expansion of sports wagering. Financially, Harris reported having $139,000 on hand as of July 1. Her top financial contributors this year include Penta Building Group, M Resort-operator Penn Entertainment, and esports betting company Oddin.gg.
Democrat Minja Yan, a progressive newcomer, works in commercial real estate with a focus on urban and infield redevelopment and community revitalization. Her experience extends to public transit issues through various public committees, and she holds a board position with The Mob Museum. Last year, Yan delivered a TEDx Talk in Las Vegas on the redevelopment of Chinatowns across the United States. She successfully emerged from a crowded Democratic primary, besting six other candidates, including one backed by the outgoing District F incumbent Commissioner Justin Jones. Yan’s endorsements include SEIU Local 1107, Teamsters Nevada, Make The Road Action Nevada, and the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter. Pledging not to accept donations from corporations or their political action committees, Yan reported just under $4,000 on hand as of July 1. She had received $87,000 in donations and in-kind contributions during the first half of the year, spending most of it. Her top contributors were the campaigns of Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom and Maryland state legislator Chao Wu.
Republican Heidi Kasama, who currently represents Nevada State Assembly District 2, has served in the Assembly since 2020. She also navigated a competitive primary, defeating private equity firm CEO Albert Mack. Kasama had explored a run for Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District in 2024 with the endorsement of Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo but ultimately decided to seek re-election to the Assembly. During her time in the Legislature, she focused on ethics reform and sponsored a bill that ended a predatory title scheme. Kasama holds endorsements from Gov. Lombardo, the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, the Board of REALTORS® PAC, and at least two chambers of commerce. Her campaign finance reports indicate she had nearly $444,000 on hand as of July 1. Her top contributors during the second quarter include South Point Hotel and Casino, Western Elite, and the Lombardo-affiliated Nevada Way PAC.
The outcome of the District F race could significantly impact the political composition of the seven-member Clark County Commission. The commission currently has six Democrats and one Republican, April Becker, who was elected in 2024. A win for either Kasama or Harris would shift this balance. Campaign finance reports detailing fundraising and expenses are available only through the end of June, as they are collected quarterly.
In addition to District F, two other Clark County Commission seats are up for election this cycle. In District E, Democratic Commissioner Tick Segerblom faces Republican Manny Hess. Commissioner Segerblom, a longtime politician representing a heavily Democratic area, won his last two commission races by substantial margins. Similarly, in District G, Democratic Commissioner Jim Gibson, also a veteran politician, is challenged by Republican Jonathan Maxham. Commissioner Gibson won his last two elections with significant leads. Incumbents in both District E and District G are expected to easily retain their seats.
