Democrats choose Frierson, Ford for Nevada Senate, Assembly leaders

CARSON CITY — Democrats fresh off their victories Tuesday that saw them regain control of the Assembly voted to elect returning lawmaker Jason Frierson as the prospective speaker of the Assembly for the 2017 session.

Senate Democrats who also won the majority on Tuesday selected Sen. Aaron Ford of Las Vegas as majority leader.

Frierson is the first African American to be named as speaker in the Nevada Assembly.

The leadership appointments will be formalized when lawmakers convene in February.

Democrats have an 11-10 edge in the Senate and a 27-15 advantage in the Assembly after losing their majorities in 2014.

Frierson, from Southern Nevada, will return to the Legislature after losing re-election in 2014.

“I am honored and humbled to be returning to the Legislature and to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as speaker of the Assembly,” he said in a statement. “After sitting out during a difficult 2015 session, I am committed to bringing integrity and stability back to the institution of the Legislature.”

Frierson said Democrats “will lead with a forward-thinking agenda that addresses how we boost wages, improve our schools, and support working parents in Nevada.”

The caucus will be announcing more about its legislative priorities over the coming months.

The caucus met Wednesday to vote on the appointment.

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3820. Follow @seanw801 on Twitter.