Sandoval endorses embattled incumbent Wixom for state higher education board
Gov. Brian Sandoval has backed an incumbent who is fighting to keep his seat on Nevada’s higher education board, an unusual endorsement for an elected body that seldom draws public interest.
Regent Michael Wixom’s campaign on Monday issued a fundraising letter citing Sandoval’s support, urging potential donors to back his re-election bid for District 6 on Nevada’s 13-member Board of Regents.
“Mike Wixom and I share a vision for the future of higher education in Nevada, from powerhouse research universities to community colleges that are high-performing workforce development engines,” the letter cites Sandoval as saying. “We need Regent Wixom’s experience to complete the work of improving our education and development systems. He has my full support for re-election.”
Wixom and his supporters hope the governor’s support will give him an edge over challenger Patrick Carter, who beat Wixom in an upset during last month’s primary race. Carter’s victory was especially impressive because he didn’t raise any campaign donations, while Wixom — an 11-year incumbent who has never been challenged — had collected more than $30,000 by the primary.
“He’s one of the most popular governors ever, and I think an endorsement by Governor Sandoval is definitely an important thing to have for Regent Wixom,” said Glenn Christenson, a Wixom supporter who is chairman of the Nevada State College Foundation and serves on the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance’s executive committee. “I’m certainly hopeful that it helps him secure the election.”
A spokeswoman for Sandoval did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Higher education is poised to be a top priority during next year’s legislative session, and Sandoval’s endorsement highlights intensifying public interest in improving the state’s colleges and universities.
Wixom — who, like Sandoval and Carter, is a registered Republican — said he sought the endorsement because he wants to “aggressively pursue the race” and beat Carter.
“I think I bring something to the table he doesn’t bring in terms of experience and background,” Wixom said. “That’s why I’m raising money to continue to pursue the camp very aggressively.”
Carter downplayed the governor’s endorsement and said he was surprised Sandoval would weigh in on a nonpartisan election. He noted that Sandoval’s office didn’t approach him to learn more about his interests or his take on higher education in the state.
“I guess it’s probably easy for him to want to maintain the status quo,” Carter said. “I’m just assuming he believes everything is OK and is not looking for change or more oversight.”
Carter, a director at the Art Institute of Las Vegas, criticized Wixom for lacking experience in the classroom and said voters “don’t believe Wixom is doing anything exceptional,” pointing to his own 5.9 percentage point lead in June’s primary.
“With 30 grand, you’d think he would have blown me away,” Carter said. “I bring a much more personal and student-focused view than just an attorney or someone who works on finances.”
Contact Ana Ley at aley@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512. Follow @la__ley on Twitter
