Gansert won't seek fourth term

Assembly Minority Leader Heidi Gansert, R-Reno, announced Thursday she won't seek a fourth term in the Legislature.

She has represented District 25 since 2004 and has been leader of the Republican caucus since 2007.

Gansert said she decided not to run again before the 26th special session of the Legislature, which wrapped up shortly after 2 a.m. Monday.

"I chose to wait to make this announcement until after the recent special session because I did not want it to be a distraction to my caucus," she said.

She said she needs to "step aside and take a break from elected office."

Gansert said family is part of the reason. She and her husband have four children.

Former assemblyman to seek Gansert's seat

Just hours after Republican Assembly Minority Leader Heidi Gansert announced she will not seek re-election, a former legislator jumped into the race.

Pat Hickey filed Thursday in Washoe County as a Republican candidate for the District 25 seat.

He served in the Assembly during the 1997 session.

Candidate filings began Monday and run through March 12.