Democrat Justin Jones to run for vacant state Senate seat

CARSON CITY -- Eight years after he lost a bid for an Assembly seat, Democrat Justin Jones announced Monday that he will be a candidate for the vacant state Senate District 9 seat in southwest Las Vegas.

Jones, 37, a lawyer, said he has lived in the district for more than a decade, unlike his announced Republican opponent, Vick Gill, who said last week he moved to the area two years ago. Gill registered to vote on Feb. 8.

They are running for a seat that became vacant less than two weeks ago when Sen. Elizabeth Halseth announced she could not find a job in Nevada because of negative publicity surrounding her divorce. Jones and Gill are seeking to serve the final two years of Halseth's four-year term.

Democrats hold a 2,100-registered voter advantage in the district, a factor that Jones said will help his cause.

"We have the Democrat voter registration advantage, and we are in a presidential election year that means we will have a large voter turnout," he said.

Jones lost by 6,000 votes to Assemblyman Chad Christensen, R-Las Vegas, in the 2004 election.

He said his longtime residency and experience make him the favored candidate.

"I know firsthand the challenges we face in this area," Jones said. "Neighbors are out of work and losing their homes, and our teachers are constantly being asked to do more with less. I want my children to grow up in a Nevada where we value education, where we provide our institutions of higher learning the resources they need to thrive and where we create good paying jobs by encouraging opportunities to diversify our economy, especially in the area of renewable energy."

He added he does not want to burden businesses and the middle class with high taxes and is looking at ways to overhaul the state's tax structure.

Jones grew up in California, received a bachelor's degree at Brigham Young University and a law degree from George Washington University School of Law . He has three times been selected by SuperLawyers as a "rising star" for the Mountain States region and received a high "AV" rating by the Martindale Hubbell lawyer rating organization. He is a partner in the Holland & Hart firm, specializing in business and probate law.

His wife is Megan Krausman Jones, who has worked for and campaigned on the behalf of U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Jones' candidacy has been endorsed by the Senate Democratic Caucus and by departing state Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas.

"He is a proven leader both in his professional career and in his personal life," said Horsford in a statement. "I am confident that with strong candidates like Jones we will ensure the Democrats maintain a majority in the state Senate."

Democrats now hold a 11-10 edge, and if Jones wins, would pick up a seat.

"We are thrilled that Justin will be joining us in Carson City," said state Sen. Mo Denis, D-Las Vegas, chairman of the Senate caucus. "There is no doubt he will be a leader in making Nevada a better place to raise a family and start a new business."

Denis added that the caucus also has endorsed former state Sen. Sheila Leslie in her District 15 race in Washoe County against Republican Sen. Greg Brower. It also has endorsed Assemblywoman Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, in her campaign for Leslie's old District 13 seat in Washoe County.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.