Nevada senator resigns post to join Biden administration

Nevada senator resigns post to join Biden administration
Nevada State Senator Yvanna Cancela on the third day of the 31st Special Session of the Nevada Legislature in Carson City, Nev., on Friday, July 10, 2020. (David Calvert/The Nevada Independent)

CARSON CITY–Nevada State Senator Yvanna Cancela (D, Clark-part) resigned from her legislative seat Monday to take a position in the new Biden administration. The two-term senator was recently re-elected for a third term, but was recently appointed to a position in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued a statement following Cancela’s resignation.

“While I am incredibly sad to see her leave Nevada, I am confident the Battle Born State will always remain close to Senator Cancela’s heart. I am so proud of Yvanna’s accomplishments thus far in her career and I am eager to follow her journey forward to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where so many people will be able to benefit from her relentless dedication to public service and equity.  

“Yvanna has always been a strong advocate for workers and for improving healthcare systems to serve those in need – including work to increase drug cost transparency. All of Nevada’s communities, including our immigrant communities, are stronger because of Yvanna’s steadfast commitment to breaking barriers and elevating voices that can often go unheard.” 

“There is no doubt that Nevada will benefit from having a leader who understands the challenges states face as we navigate this pandemic and continue working toward expanding access to healthcare. On behalf of the State of Nevada, we thank Senator Cancela for her service and look forward to working with her to navigate these great challenges.” 

The Clark County Commission will appoint a successor to Cancela’s Senate seat after the governor’s office processes and submits a declaration of vacancy, per Nevada statute.