Republican Brian Sandoval is Nevada's first Latino governor
The former federal judge defeats Democrat Rory Reid, son of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Las Vegas Republican Brian Sandoval has defeated Democrat Rory Reid to become the first Latino governor in Nevada's history.
The 47-year-old former federal judge on Tuesday turned back Reid, the son of Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, after beating incumbent Gov. Jim Gibbons in the GOP primary.
Sandoval, who also has served as Nevada attorney general, assemblyman and Gaming Commission chairman, inherits a state budget crisis and a state that leads the nation in unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcies.
Nevada faces a shortfall projected at up to $3 billion about half the existing budget. Sandoval says he won't raise taxes.
He'll replace Gibbons, who lost the primary after a tumultuous term marred by a bitter divorce and allegations of infidelities.