Carson City, NV – Nevada Sen. Scott Hammond, a Republican who represents northwestern Las Vegas, has resigned from the Nevada Legislature, effective immediately. Hammond, who was set to term out in just over a year, said the decision to resign was made after discussions with his wife and the prospect of new job opportunities.

“There were job opportunities coming, and so I resigned because some of those may require that,” Hammond said. He declined to comment on the specifics of the job opportunities, but he did confirm that Gov. Joe Lombardo had reached out to him.

Hammond’s resignation comes after a 13-year career serving in the state Legislature. He served just one term in the Assembly from 2011-2012 before moving to the state Senate. During his time in the Senate, Hammond served as the co-minority whip and co-majority whip.

In a statement, Hammond encouraged those with the ability and time to participate in public service to do so. “I really enjoyed it,” he said.

Hammond’s departure leaves Senate District 18 up for grabs. Three Republicans, including former Assemblyman Richard McArthur, Clark County Fire Chief John Steinbeck and Josh Leavitt, have thrown their hats in the ring for the seat. Lombardo has endorsed Steinbeck for the seat, calling the fire chief a “visionary leader.”

Hammond’s resignation is the latest in a series of changes to the Nevada Legislature. In the past year, several lawmakers have resigned or retired, and the state has held a number of special elections to fill vacant seats. The changes have led to a more diverse and evenly divided Legislature.

It remains to be seen how Hammond’s resignation will impact the Nevada Legislature. However, it is clear that the state’s political landscape is in a state of flux.

Credits: Review Journal

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