Aaron Sims said Friday he will run for State Senate District 16, representing Carson City and parts of Washoe County.
Sims, a Democrat, ran for Carson City mayor in 2020.
“I believe that this is the best course of action for myself, my family, our campaign and all Nevadans. We have a lot of work to accomplish here in Nevada, a lot of things that really need our focus including housing, education, jobs, healthcare and energy. It is time that we have a new voice with fresh perspective in the Nevada State Senate,” Sims said. “I would have loved to have had the honor to represent Nevada in Washington DC, but I am convinced that it is far more important for me to focus on fighting to represent my district here in Carson City.”
In a press release, Sims said he would be one of the first openly gay state senators from Northern Nevada.
After working in the Republican Party, Sims left the GOP several years ago after serving as Vice Chair of the Carson City Republican Party and focused his work toward more progressive causes such as homelessness, poverty and LGBTQ advances in Nevada, he said in a press release.
Sims is a political activist and community volunteer. He has worked on all levels of political campaigns and has been active with regional community-based organizations for years.
He said he is running for State Senate as a pragmatic progressive and looks forward to working with members from both sides of the isle to deliver strong new proposals that would benefit all Nevadans.
The seat was vacated by Sen. Ben Kieckhefer earlier this year and filled by Don Tatro, who said he wouldn’t run for re-election.
