Silver State looking purple
Nevada, known as the Silver State, is earning a new moniker: the Purple State. According to the latest public opinion polling from Noble Predictive Insights (NPI), Nevada’s political landscape is a vibrant mix of optimism, division, and shared priorities. The Nevada Public Opinion Pulse (NVPOP), conducted last month, surveyed 814 registered voters with a margin of error of ±3.43%, revealing a state that’s politically split but hopeful about its future.
A state in flux: Optimism amid division
Nevada voters are feeling good about their state’s trajectory, with 53% believing it’s headed in the right direction—a sentiment unchanged since January 2025. This optimism persists despite a deeply divided political scene. The state remains a battleground, with Democrats leading by 3 points on a generic congressional ballot (a 5-point swing from January’s Republican lead of 2 points). However, Republicans hold a steady 4-point edge as the preferred party to run the state, signaling voters’ desire for a balance of power.
Both parties boast popular leaders. Republican Governor Joe Lombardo enjoys strong approval (+14) and favorability (+10). Meanwhile, Democratic U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (+12) and Catherine Cortez Masto (+18), along with Attorney General Aaron Ford (+12), also command double-digit favorability ratings. President Donald Trump, however, remains a polarizing figure, with a net job approval and economic approval of -6 and a net favorability of -2, statistically similar to January’s -1.
David Byler, NPI’s Chief of Research, attributes Nevada’s purple hue to its diversity. “Nevada is a purple state because it’s diverse. There are working-class voters of every racial group, many recent arrivals, suburbs, and urban centers—both party coalitions are a wild mix, and many voters don’t belong solely to one team,” Byler explains. This complexity allows politicians from both sides to craft appealing brands.
Top issues: Economic anxiety unites voters
Nevadans across party lines are laser-focused on economic concerns. The NVPOP poll identifies affordable housing (53%), inflation (48%), and healthcare (37%) as the top three issues. Notably, affordable housing has surpassed inflation as the number one concern since January, reflecting growing frustration with the cost of living.
Republicans prioritize inflation (52%), housing (49%), and immigration (36%).
Democrats focus on housing (54%), inflation (42%), and healthcare (41%).
Independents mirror the broader electorate, citing housing (55%), inflation (48%), and healthcare (36%).
Byler notes that economic discontent, particularly around housing costs, drove some voters to support Trump in the last election. “Nevada voted for Trump, in part, because they were discontented with rising prices under Joe Biden. Right now, they’re still dealing with this issue, with housing costs as a leading cause of financial pain,” he says. Interestingly, immigration, a key issue during the campaign, is fading from voters’ minds as President Trump acts on it, allowing economic concerns to dominate.
Nevada’s purple future
Nevada’s political landscape is a microcosm of its diverse population and complex priorities. While voters are optimistic about the state’s direction, they remain split on party leadership, creating a true purple state where both Republicans and Democrats can thrive. Economic issues like housing and inflation unite Nevadans, cutting across party lines and shaping the political conversation. As Byler puts it, “That diversity and complexity leaves room for politicians from both parties to build a popular brand.”
For a deeper dive into the data, check out the NVPOP Dashboard on Noble Predictive Insights’ website.
References:
Noble Predictive Insights. (2025, May 6). Nevada: The Silver State? More like the Purple State. Retrieved from https://www.nobleinsights.com/nevada-purple-state.
