Inside Candidate Debate Night at UNLV: How Las Vegas Students Are Reshaping Civic Dialogue

Event Overview

On campus at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a diverse group of candidates, students, and community members came together for a Candidate Debate Night centered on one objective: direct, unfiltered civic dialogue.

The event was hosted by College Republicans of UNLV in collaboration with the Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas, and Young Americans for Liberty.

Candidates from across federal, state, and local races participated, representing a range of political affiliations including Republican, Libertarian, Independent, and non-partisan perspectives.

For a full list of candidates who participated, including the offices they are seeking, view the complete candidate list here.

Unlike traditional forums, this event emphasized real-time engagement, giving students and attendees the opportunity to hear directly from candidates and ask questions on the issues impacting Las Vegas today.

Full Debate Video

Watch the full-length recording of the debate below. The video includes light production edits (multi-camera switching and graphics), but preserves the full discussion as it occurred.

What Actually Happened

The debate followed a structured but open format designed to prioritize fairness and accessibility.

Candidates were given time for opening statements, followed by moderated questions covering key policy areas. The discussion then transitioned into direct audience engagement, where students asked questions and challenged candidates in real time.

There were no pre-screened answers or scripted responses.

Instead, candidates responded to complex and often difficult questions on the spot, creating a more authentic exchange than what is typically seen in traditional media formats.

Key Issues Discussed

Throughout the evening, several major issues shaping Las Vegas and Nevada were addressed.

Housing & Cost of Living

Candidates discussed the rising cost of housing in Las Vegas, pointing to factors such as federal land control, limited housing supply, and regulatory barriers. Solutions ranged from increasing land availability to reducing permitting delays and expanding development opportunities.

Water & Sustainability

With ongoing concerns surrounding Lake Mead, candidates debated long-term water sustainability strategies, including infrastructure investment, regional water agreements, and alternative sourcing solutions.

Crime & Public Safety

The conversation around crime included both enforcement and systemic perspectives, from policing strategies and prosecution to broader issues such as homelessness, economic pressure, and recidivism.

Immigration Policy

Candidates shared differing views on border security, pathways to citizenship, and workforce implications, reflecting broader national debates while grounding the discussion in local economic realities.

Education & Rising Tuition

UNLV students raised concerns about affordability, including recent tuition increases within Nevada’s higher education system. Candidates addressed funding, budgeting, and the long-term accessibility of education for Nevada residents.

Student & Community Engagement

One of the defining aspects of the event was the level of participation from students and attendees.

Rather than observing passively, students engaged directly by asking questions, presenting concerns, and pushing for clear answers.

Attendees represented a range of political perspectives, contributing to a discussion environment that, while at times intense, remained focused on dialogue rather than division.

This level of engagement reflects a growing demand among younger voters for transparency, access, and accountability.

Role of Moderation & Structure

The debate was moderated by Marlon A. Medina of the Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas, alongside Jasmine DeLaTorre of College Republicans.

The role of moderation was not to influence outcomes or perspectives, but to ensure structure, fairness, and equal opportunity for all participants.

Each candidate was given the space to speak, respond, and engage, while maintaining a format that allowed for productive discussion and audience involvement.

In an environment where political discourse is often fragmented, maintaining neutrality and balance was a critical component of the event’s success.

About the Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas

The Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas is a grassroots initiative focused on increasing civic engagement among young voters.

The organization operates independently and is not backed by special interest groups or large institutions. Its mission is to create accessible spaces where individuals can engage directly with candidates, understand policy positions, and participate in the democratic process.

By focusing on authenticity and accessibility, the coalition aims to bridge the gap between voters and those seeking to represent them.

What This Means for Las Vegas

As Las Vegas continues to grow, so does the importance of civic participation, particularly among younger generations.

Access to direct dialogue with candidates remains limited in many traditional settings. Events like this demonstrate an alternative approach: one that prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and real-time engagement.

For students and first-time voters, opportunities like this can play a significant role in shaping how they understand and participate in the political process.

What’s Next

Candidate Debate Night is not a one-time initiative.

Planning is already underway for a future event, with the goal of expanding participation, increasing representation across perspectives, and continuing to provide a platform for open civic dialogue.

Students, organizations, candidates, and community members who are interested in participating or contributing are encouraged to reach out.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Kean Allen Dino for his role in both planning and execution, representing both the Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas and College Republicans, and for supporting the video capture and stream.

Additional thanks to Christina Nguyen of College Republicans for her work in planning the event and helping manage the room throughout the evening.

Events like this don’t come together without people willing to step in and make it happen.

Closing Thoughts

The most significant takeaway from the event was not tied to any single candidate or position.

It was the fact that people showed up, engaged, asked questions, and participated in a conversation that directly impacts their community.

In a time where much of political discourse happens at a distance, creating spaces for real, in-person dialogue remains both relevant and necessary.