Las Vegas Culinary Union Ties Democratic Election Wins to Reversal of Tourism Decline

The Las Vegas Culinary Union voiced confidence that Democratic victories in the 2026 midterm elections will support a rebound in Southern Nevada tourism. The union, an affiliate of UNITE HERE and the world's largest gaming and hospitality union, backed Democrats throughout the cycle and saw its preferred candidates prevail.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford (D) defeated Republican incumbent Gov. Joe Lombardo. U.S. Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV1), Susie Lee (D-NV3), and Steven Horsford (D-NV4) secured reelection. Rep.-elect Teresa Benitez-Thompson flipped Nevada's 4th District to Democratic control for the first time. Democrats will hold Congress when the new session begins in January.

The union has attributed Las Vegas visitor weakness to President Donald Trump and Lombardo. Volume fell 7.5% in 2025 and stayed flat in 2026 through September. Union leaders cited mass deportations and higher costs for gas, groceries, rent, power, and healthcare as factors keeping travelers away.

Union Leaders Cite Policy Impact and Voter Mandate

"This country is off track, and Culinary Union members know it firsthand. The Trump Slump has impacted the hours and paychecks of hospitality workers while gas, groceries, rent, power bills, and especially healthcare keep rising," said Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge. Pappageorge stated that Nevadans voted for a real course correction and that the union was proud to help elect Democrats at every level. He described Ford as an ally who will stand with workers on strikes, against corporate greed, price gouging, and for-profit healthcare costs.

The union had criticized Lombardo for withholding support in its drive to organize Station Casinos properties, including Red Rock Casino.

Union Members Secure Seats in Nevada Assembly

The Nov. 3 election saw two Culinary Union members win state elections. Linda Hunt (D-D17), a former food server at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas, won reelection. Joe Spica (D), a bellman at the Cosmopolitan, defeated Republican Rebecca Edgeworth to take the 35th District.