Here are some words we never thought we’d write: Danny Tarkanian has won an election. With all votes tallied from Nevada’s June 9 GOP primary, Tarkanian leads incumbent Dave Nelson 50.07-49.93―a margin of 17 votes―for a seat on the Douglas County Commission. No other candidate will be listed on the November general election ballot in District 1, so Tarkanian is positioned to win this seat by default. (The two sweetest words in the English language).
Nelson, who led until the final vote tally came in on Wednesday, isn’t giving up yet, though. The incumbent announced that he’d seek a recount, which he’ll need to pay for himself. (The state only covers the cost when there’s a tie.)
If the recount confirms Tarkanian’s lead, it will end a long and celebrated (well, among Democrats) losing streak in Nevada politics. Tarkanian, whose parents are the legendary University of Nevada, Las Vegas basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian and longtime Las Vegas City Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian, first ran for office in 2004 when he lost the general election for the state Senate 54-46.
The younger Tarkanian (known as Little Tark to his not-friends), who lived in Las Vegas’ Clark County until his move north to Douglas County last year, was hardly deterred, though. Tarkanian went on to lose the 2006 general for secretary of state; the 2010 primary for U.S. Senate; the 2012 general for the 4th Congressional District; the 2016 general for the 3rd Congressional District; and the 2018 general for the 3rd District (again).
Despite that awful record, though, Tarkanian was still a serious factor in Nevada politics. Little Tark had the connections to raise a serious amount of money, and he often would throw down some of his own cash as well. Tarkanian also came very close to taking the 3rd District in 2016, though he ended up losing the expensive race to now-Sen. Jacky Rosen 47-46 as Donald Trump was taking the seat 48-47.
Last year, after Tarkanian relocated north, there was speculation that he could challenge Rep. Mark Amodei in the GOP primary for the 2nd District. Tarkanian instead decided to focus his attention on a more local contest, though, and he joined a pro-development slate of candidates seeking seats on the 5-member Douglas County Commission. That strategy seems to have finally delivered Tarkanian his first win of his seven campaigns.
Want more great elections coverage like this? Sign up for our free daily newsletter, the Morning Digest.