 He was not a candidate for re-election to the Assembly in 2008 but instead ran for the Nevada Senate in the 7th district, seeking to succeed Dina Titus who mounted a successful bid for Congress.Three Democrats and three Republicans filed for the seat.In the primary election held on August 12, 2008, he faced a well-funded opponent but prevailed easily, winning 71 percent of the vote in a three-way race.