Reno businessman and Senator Don Tatro, appointed to serve in Senate District 16, has announced his candidacy to keep his legislative seat vacated by Republican Sen. Ben Kieckhefer. Last October, Kieckhefer resigned to take a position with the Nevada Gaming Commission. At the time of his appointment, Tatro claimed he had no intention to run for election, so this bid comes as a bit of a surprise.

Prior to opening his own real estate business in Reno, Tatro was the deputy press secretary for former U.S. Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) and press secretary for former U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK). He also served as the executive director of the Builders Association of Northern Nevada from February 2015 to November 2020.

In a released statement, Tatro said,

“We face significant issues throughout Northern Nevada and the rest of the state. I’m not just another politician, I bring personal experience creating jobs, improving access to education, and addressing the issues of attainable housing. I look forward to provide fresh and creative leadership to strengthen or community and its families.”

In a brief interview on Monday with the Reno Gazette Journal, Tatro explained:

“Truly, I had no intention of running. Basically, those who encouraged me to run saw my real-world experience and unique leadership skills on economic growth and attainable housing.

“I talked it over with my family for quite some time, and now I’m in, and I’m excited.”

On June 14, Republican Assemblywoman Lisa Krasner, Tatro, and conservative radio personality, Monica Jay Stabbert, will face off in what is expected to be a competitive Republican primary.