Nevada unions turn against Assemblyman Watts in speaker race

Labor leaders vote to block former ally

Posted By

Brittany Sheehan  August 14, 2025

Nevada’s labor unions met in Reno this past week and made a stunning decision. They voted to rescind their previous endorsement of Assemblyman Howard Watts for Speaker, according to liberal blogger Jon Ralston. The move signals a major shift in Carson City politics.

Watts, who once seemed like labor’s golden boy, has managed to anger both unions and business groups. The AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention delegates voted unanimously to pull their support, led by Teamsters leadership.

Watts’ Rise to Power

The 37-year-old Las Vegas Democrat has built an impressive political resume since winning his Assembly seat in 2018. Born and raised in Las Vegas as the son of Culinary Union members, Watts seemed destined for labor backing.

He chairs the Assembly Growth and Infrastructure Committee and sits on the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Watts has served as chair of multiple committees including Natural Resources and Growth and Infrastructure across different legislative sessions. The ACLU of Nevada named him their “Most Civil Libertarian Legislator” for his progressive voting record.

Watts graduated from UNLV with a political science degree and runs a small public relations business. He’s been recognized with multiple awards including the Council of State Governments’ 20 Under 40 Leadership Award in 2024.

What Went Wrong for Watts

According to the report, Watts has been “single-handedly blocking” key union priorities despite his labor background. The breaking point came over two major bills that unions considered essential.

Senate Bill 395 — The Teamsters’ Top Priority

SB 395, introduced by State Sen. James Ohrenschall, would require a trained human safety operator behind the wheel of commercial vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds. The Teamsters made this autonomous vehicle regulation their number one legislative goal, with union leaders calling it “critical to protecting the middle class” and “demanding that Nevada lawmakers vote in favor of this legislation.”

Peter Finn, President of Teamsters Joint Council 7, said: “For Big Tech companies to think they can come into any state and replace the jobs of hardworking union members with this dangerous and inferior technology is an insult to professional drivers everywhere”.

When Watts blocked this bill in committee, he crossed a line labor leaders wouldn’t forgive. The Teamsters represent over 30,000 workers in Nevada, making them a powerful political force.

Assembly Bill 404 — The “Brew Pub Bill”

AB 404 would allow in-state breweries to ship beer directly to consumers outside Nevada and operate multiple taproom locations. While this seems minor, unions opposed it because it threatens existing distribution jobs controlled by Teamsters members.

The bill “was cut down substantially during the process with input from wholesale and labor interests”, but Watts supported the pro-business version that unions saw as anti-worker.

A Pattern of Betrayal

The unions’ frustration goes deeper than just a few votes. Watts built his political career on progressive credentials and family union ties. He talks about fighting climate change and expanding government programs that benefit organized labor.

But when it came time to deliver for the workers who helped elect him, Watts chose a different path. He sided with business interests on autonomous vehicles and craft brewery expansion. He put his own political ambitions ahead of union priorities.

As Ralston notes, this explains why labor is now united against him.: “There will be no union splintering this cycle, and they are in lock step to show Watts the door.”

What This Means for the Speaker Race

With Watts effectively blocked by organized labor, the field is wide open. Current Speaker Steve Yeager announced he won’t run for re-election, creating a power vacuum.

Labor leaders will now look for someone who won’t cross them like Watts did. That means finding a candidate who will rubber-stamp union priorities without question. The new Speaker will control which bills get hearings and votes in the 2025 session.

The irony is that Watts, despite his progressive record, wasn’t progressive enough for Nevada’s unions. They demand politicians who will vote their way 100 percent of the time, no exceptions.

What’s at Stake

Nevada voters need to understand what’s happening in Carson City. Labor unions just demonstrated they can make or break political careers based on a few votes. The next Assembly Speaker will be chosen by union politics, not what’s best for Nevada families.

Howard Watts thought he could occasionally side with business interests while keeping union support. He was wrong. Nevada’s labor leaders demand complete loyalty, and they’re willing to destroy politicians who don’t deliver.

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Brittany Sheehan is a Las Vegas-based mother, policy advocate and grassroots leader. She is active in local politics, successful in campaign work and passionate about liberty.