This morning, Governor-elect Joe Lombardo announced former Nevada state Senator Ben Kieckhefer has been tapped to become his incoming chief of staff.

“I’m delighted to announce Ben Kieckhefer as my incoming Chief of Staff today,” said Lombardo. “Ben has dedicated his life and career to the service of Nevadans, and there is no one more qualified or better prepared for this role. I know that Ben’s exceptional leadership, unmatched integrity, and extensive legislative experience will be an important part of our success in Carson City.”

Kieckhefer served as a member of the Nevada State Senate for three consecutive terms representing District 16. Kieckhefer first took office in 2011 and went on to serve in several leadership positions, including as Assistant Minority Floor Leader (2017-2018, 2013-2014) and as Assistant Majority Floor Leader (2015-2016). 

“I’m honored to join Governor-elect Lombardo’s administration,” said Kieckhefer. “I’m humbled by Governor-elect Lombardo’s trust in me, and I’m excited to have another opportunity to serve Nevada, a state I love so deeply. Under Governor-elect Lombardo, I’m confident that this administration will deliver innovative solutions and historic victories for our great state.”

Lombardo cited that as a state senator, Kieckhefer “championed efforts to increase parental choice in education and fought for spending controls on state government”–two issues that were centerpieces of the Lombardo campaign. During his tenure in the state senate, Kieckhefer is best known for his efforts to improve redistricting fairness. In March, Kieckhefer introduced Senate Joint Resolution 9, which would have created a seven-member redistricting commission free from political influence, similar to a 2020 citizen-driven initiative that failed to gather enough signatures to land on that year’s ballot. The resolution died on Apr 10, 2021.Following his tenure in the Nevada State Senate, Kieckhefer was appointed to serve on the Nevada Gaming Commission in October 2021. Kieckhefer will resign from the Nevada Gaming Commission once Governor-elect Lombardo is sworn into office in January. 

Governor-elect Lombardo previously announced the leadership and members of the Lombardo Transition Team. Working committee members, along with inaugural committee plans, will be announced in the coming days and weeks.