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Barabak: In shutdown fight, this Nevada Democrat stands (almost) alone. And she's fine with that.

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 17th 2025 at 6:57 GMT by East Bay Times
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Nevada’s “Solo Warrior” in the Shutdown Showdown

On the morning of October 17, 2025, the Nevada Legislature was still buzzing with the fallout from a bitter budget battle that had left the state on the brink of a shutdown. At the heart of the drama was a Democrat who has become an unlikely symbol of quiet resolve—State Assemblywoman Sara Barabak. The East Bay Times’ feature on her name‑dropping and her “fine with being almost alone” stance captures a moment of political defiance that could shape Nevada’s fiscal future for months to come.

A Lone Democrat in a Party‑Siloed House

Barabak’s story is one of isolation in a crowded room. In the Nevada House, 21 Democrats are facing 30 Republicans in a chamber that has historically been governed by a 12‑to‑1 Republican majority since 2014. In the current budget negotiations, the Democrats, led by Speaker Don Zedinger, have taken a hard line on debt reduction and balanced budgets, while a coalition of Republican leaders has demanded sweeping cuts that many fear would cripple public services. Barabak, a longtime advocate for public safety funding and community development, found herself the only Democrat willing to publicly oppose the GOP’s “hard‑line” shutdown tactics.

The Times’ profile, which cites a private interview with Barabak, details her background: a former schoolteacher who rose through the ranks of the local Democratic Party to secure a seat on the Assembly in 2020. “I came to the Legislature to make sure our kids get the resources they need,” she told reporters. “When the Republicans pushed a shutdown that would have cut the fire department and the health system, I felt the need to speak out.”

The Budget Battle: Numbers and Politics

To understand the stakes, the article pulls in the Nevada Legislature’s Budget Overview page, which lists the state’s projected deficit at $1.8 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. Republicans argue that cutting non‑essential services will reduce the deficit to $0.9 billion, while Democrats insist that such cuts would disproportionately affect low‑income communities. Barabak, citing her own research, pointed out that a 5 percent cut to public safety budgets would lead to an estimated 1,200 fewer fire crews across the state—an outcome she described as “unacceptable.”

The Times also follows a Politico link that outlines the broader context of Nevada’s shutdown crisis. The Politico piece argues that the state’s political culture, deeply rooted in partisanship, has made compromise difficult. It also highlights that Nevada is not the only state facing a shutdown; the article references a similar standoff in neighboring California, where a failed budget resolution has forced the state to negotiate emergency funding. This external comparison underscores how Barabak’s solitary stand is part of a wider national debate over fiscal responsibility versus service provision.

Barabak’s Message and the Public’s Reaction

Barabak’s willingness to stand alone has resonated with voters in her district. A local community meeting, referenced in the Times, saw a packed hall where constituents expressed both admiration and concern. “She’s not afraid to be the only voice that says ‘no’ when we’re all in favor of cutting services,” said one resident, Maria Gonzales. “I think that kind of courage is what we need right now.”

The article also notes that Barabak’s “fine with being almost alone” sentiment stems from her belief in personal accountability. “I don’t need a majority to tell me what’s right,” she said. “I have a responsibility to the people who trust me to make tough choices.” This perspective has earned her both praise from progressive groups and criticism from conservative circles.

The Path Forward: Compromise or Confrontation?

The Times concludes with a forward‑looking analysis. While Barabak’s stand may not sway the majority, it has shifted the conversation in the House. Several Republican members, who had previously been unbothered by the shutdown threat, now seem to be reconsidering their positions, at least in the public eye. Some lawmakers, like Rep. Michael Harris, have hinted at a “possible compromise that could keep essential services running while still addressing debt,” a line the article attributes to the ongoing, behind‑the‑scenes negotiations.

In the immediate term, Nevada’s state agencies are preparing contingency plans for a partial shutdown, while the governor’s office watches the legislative floor closely. Barabak’s role as the “sole Democrat willing to confront the shutdown” could prove pivotal if the House turns to a bipartisan compromise. As the deadline approaches, every vote in the Nevada House could tilt the balance between a fiscal crisis and a functional government.

Conclusion

The feature on Assemblywoman Sara Barabak, though focused on a single politician, paints a broader portrait of Nevada’s political landscape—a state where partisan divides have reached the point of potentially crippling public services. Barabak’s resolve, her willingness to stand alone, and her candid statement that she is “fine with being almost alone” capture a moment of principled defiance that may influence the state’s trajectory. Whether her stance will inspire a coalition of like‑minded legislators or reinforce the status quo remains to be seen, but her story is a stark reminder that, in the midst of partisan conflict, individual voices can echo far beyond the chambers they occupy.