Jacky Rosen wins Nevada Senate race, maintains Democrat’s seat

Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., won reelection, fending off a challenge from Republican Sam Brown. Democrats lost the majority in the chamber, but this victory in Nevada will keep the balance of power tighter. 

The call was made by Decision Desk HQ, a forecasting and analysis organization.

Abortion was a key issue in the state. Voters also approved a ballot measure that created a constitutional right to an abortion up to fetal viability or after if necessary to protect the health of the mother. 

Brown had been quiet about how he would vote on the measure until September when he said he opposed changing the state’s existing law. Nevada allows abortions up to 24 weeks or after to save the life of the mother.

The ballot measure is nearly identical to existing law, but it prevents the legislature from making stricter rules in the future. 

Brown said he opposed a nationwide abortion ban. 

Rosen’s campaign ran an ad that called Brown a “MAGA extremist” who wanted to take away abortion rights. 

Brown meanwhile hit back on the economy and immigration. He said Democrats like President Joe Biden and Rosen are responsible for a border and national security crisis that has led to violence and deadly drugs being brought in by cartels.

He also blamed clean energy investments for an increase in the cost of living. 

They agreed on two things: unconditional support for Israel and ending taxes on tips.  

Brown is a West Point graduate and medically retired from the Army as a captain. While on a rescue mission in Afghanistan, a roadside bomb exploded under the fuel tank of his vehicle which covered him in burning diesel. He survived with third-degree burns. .  

Rosen was elected to the Senate in 2018 after serving one term in the House. Georgetown’s School of Public Policy has ranked her one of the top 10 most bipartisan senators in the chamber.

Spending in the race significantly favored Rosen. About $98 million was spent supporting her or opposing Brown, while $63 million was spent supporting Brown or opposing Rosen.