Las Vegas state senator resigns to join Biden administration

Nevada state legislator announced she is resigning her Senate seat to join the Biden administration.

Democratic state Sen. Yvanna Cancela of Las Vegas plans to join the federal Department of Health and Human Services in an unspecified position, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Cancela announced her immediate resignation Monday in a letter to Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak.

Cancela became a leading progressive voice in the Legislature after taking the 10th District seat in 2017.

Cancela was appointed to the seat in late 2016 following the election of Ruben Kihuen to Congress, becoming the first Latina to serve in the Nevada Senate. She won election to the seat in 2018.

"I did not make this decision lightly, especially considering the upcoming 2021 legislative session, and the important work ahead," Cancela wrote. "However, I could not turn down the opportunity to continue serving the Silver State, and our great nation."

Sisolak said in a statement that he was "incredibly sad" at Cancela's departure but was eager to follow her progress with the health and human services department, "where so many people will be able to benefit from her relentless dedication to public service and equity."