In the 2024 election cycle, real estate and development companies donated over $1.8 million to lawmakers in Nevada. This was the most money this industry has ever given in the state. It also made them the second-largest group of donors to Nevada legislators, right behind the gaming industry.
These donations came from companies involved in home construction, apartment development, land investment, and real estate sales. Many of them are active in areas like Las Vegas and Reno, where housing development is booming. This wave of giving shows just how involved the real estate world has become in shaping Nevada’s politics, especially as the state struggles with a lack of affordable housing.
Republicans Got the Bigger Share of Donations
Even though Democrats control the Nevada Legislature, Republican lawmakers received more money from real estate and development donors. On average, each Republican lawmaker received about $27,000, while the average Democrat got about $15,000. That’s a big shift from the 2022 election cycle, when most of this industry’s money went to Democrats. This time, about 55% of the donations went to Republicans. Political analysts say this could be a sign that real estate companies believe Republicans are more likely to support their goals, like fewer regulations and less support for rent control.
Nevada Realtors Led the Way in Political Giving
The Nevada Association of Realtors stood out as the single biggest donor in the real estate world, giving around $288,000 to state lawmakers. About 61% of their donations went to Republicans, which is a noticeable jump from 46% in the last cycle. The group has made it clear they oppose rent control and have spent more than $300,000 on ads pushing back against that idea.
They also opposed a bill that would have protected renters from high fees. Their goal is to influence housing laws in a way that benefits property owners and landlords, which is why they are investing heavily in politics.
Lawmakers Are Focused on Housing Issues
The timing of these donations matters because Nevada is facing a serious housing crisis. Prices for homes and rent have gone up, and many families are struggling to afford a place to live. Lawmakers, including Governor Joe Lombardo, have introduced bills aimed at addressing this problem.
One of the main proposals is to create a $250 million fund that would help developers build more affordable housing. This money would be used for loans, grants, and tax rebates. Other bills being discussed include capping rent increases for seniors and changing how the eviction process works. These issues are at the center of the current legislative session, and the real estate industry wants a seat at the table.
Big Money Raises Big Questions
All of this money from real estate companies has raised concerns among voters and advocacy groups. They worry that lawmakers might side with donors instead of doing what’s best for the public. When so much money is involved, there’s always a chance that it could influence how laws are written or which bills get passed. Critics are especially concerned that important housing reforms—like rent control or tenant protections—could be blocked or watered down because of pressure from wealthy donors.
As the housing crisis continues, people will be watching closely to see whether elected officials listen to their communities or the people writing the biggest checks.
