Incumbent Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman was first elected in the 1999 election. He made redevelopment of downtown Las Vegas a priority in his first term. During that time, the city acquired 61 acres of property which Goodman envisioned for redevelopment.^[1] The site, later known as Symphony Park,^[2] inspired Goodman to seek re-election: "That 61 acres is really my vision and the primary reason why I ran again. The seeds that have been planted in the first term, I want to see them start to bud."^[3]

Goodman filed his candidacy on January 28, 2003.^[1] He faced opposition from five little-known rivals,^[4][5] who acknowledged an uphill battle against him.^[6] Nevertheless, Goodman launched a full campaign, stating: "I never take anything for granted. I don't want to be the one who loses a race because I didn't do something it takes to win one."^[5] His campaign raised more than $1 million,^[5][3] while his rivals raised and spent less than $7,000 combined.^[7] In the two weeks before the election, Goodman had endorsements from numerous organizations whereas his opponents had none.^[6]

Goodman viewed homelessness as an obstruction to downtown redevelopment, and was criticized for his stance on the issue, deemed by some as too harsh.^[1][3][8] He also received criticism for inviting mob associate Joey Cusumano to a party earlier in 2003. Cusumano was in the state's Black Book. Goodman, a criminal defense attorney known for his representation of mob figures, previously said that he had only professional relationships with such people.^[3][8]

Among those challenging Goodman was Tom McGowan, who previously ran in the 1999 election. McGowan said, "I believe we need a change for the better. I am not running against Oscar Goodman; I am running against the general public, a public that is satisfied with notoriety or notoriety by association by a man who has identified himself as a mob mouthpiece." Edward R. Schmitt, a plumbing contractor and mayoral candidate, expressed his dislike of Goodman as well: "He hasn't done anything for the city. The whole downtown is still dead."^[6]

Another candidate was Allan "Big Al" Smith, who wore a campaign costume made from his ex-wife's coat. His proposals included a Golden Gate Bridge replica and an 18-story mixed-use building housing grocery stores and a shopping mall, as well as office and residential space. Other candidates included Joe Falco, a car salesman; and Carlos "Mazunga" Poliak, a sanitation worker who had made several failed runs for local office.^[6]

Awareness and interest in the election was low among the general public.^[5][8] Early voting began on March 22, 2003,^[5] and the election was held on April 8, 2003. Voter turnout was 18 percent of the registered population.^[7] Goodman won with nearly 86 percent of the vote,^[7][9] a record surpassing Jan Jones' 72-percent victory in the 1995 mayoral election. Goodman said he would continue to focus on downtown redevelopment, hoping to attract a medical center to Symphony Park.^[10] The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health eventually started construction there in 2007.