Nevada primary registration closes with candidates split across state election, caucuses

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Registration for Nevada’s presidential preference primary has closed with three major GOP candidates opting for the state-administered election next year, rather than the party-run caucus.

Former Ambassador to the United Nations and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley had registered for the primary as of Monday’s deadline, according to the Nevada Secretary of State’s office.

She joins U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence in joining the Republican primary race, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 6.

The Nevada State Republican Party will hold its presidential caucuses two days later on Feb. 8. The state GOP has said any candidate who files for the Feb. 6 primary will be barred from participating, and delegates will only be given to candidates running in the caucuses.

The Nevada GOP confirmed on Monday that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis filed to run in the caucuses. He joins a field that includes former President Donald Trump, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.

The split between the state-administered primary and party-run caucuses has led to concerns from campaigns about voter confusion and a playing field tilted to benefit Trump.

President Joe Biden filed to run in Nevada’s Democratic primary as he seeks re-election.

Those who filed for the presidential preference primary with the Secretary of State’s Office:

Joseph Biden (D)
Gabriel Cornejo (D)
Superpayaseria Crystalroc (D)
Brent Foutz (D)
John Haywood (D)
Frank Lozada (D)
Stephen Leon (D)
Stephen Lyons (D)
Jason Palmer (D)
Mark Prascak (D)
Armando Perez-Serrato (D)
Donald Picard (D)
Marianne Williamson (D)

John Castro (R)
Heath Fulkerson (R)
Nikki Haley (R)
Donald Kjornes (R)
Michael Pence (R)
Timothy Scott (R)
Hirsh Singh (R)