Dondero Loop announces state Senate run

Assemblywoman Marilyn Dondero Loop, D-Las Vegas, announced Monday she’s running for an open state Senate seat.

Dondero Loop, a native Nevadan and educator with 30 years of experience, said she has fought to improve Nevada schools and would continue to focus on making sure classrooms serve the state’s children better.

“Throughout my childhood my parents engrained in me the importance of giving back to my community,” Dondero Loop said in a statement. “That is why I became an educator and that is why I want to serve the people of Senate District 8. I understand the challenges facing the residents of this community, because my family also faces those challenges.”

During the past legislative session, Dondero Loop was vice chairwoman of the Assembly Education Committee. She also chaired the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee. She promoted reducing class sizes and expanding full day kindergarten in Southern Nevada.

Dondero Loop was first elected to the Assembly in 2008. She represents Assembly District 5.

State Senate Majority Leader Mo Denis, D-Las Vegas, endorsed Dondero Loop.

“As a mother, grandmother, and lifelong educator, Marilyn uniquely understands the problems facing Nevada’s families and kids,” Denis said in a statement. “This past session Marilyn fought side by side with us to create more jobs and put more money to the classroom where it belongs.”

Senate District 8 is currently held by Sen. Barbara Cegavske, R-Las Vegas, who is termed out. She’s running for Nevada secretary of state.

Republican Patricia Farley, who owns a construction business and indoor play area for children, also is running for Senate District 8. Farley has been endorsed by the Senate GOP Caucus.

Registered Democrats narrowly outnumber Republicans by more than 600 voters in Senate District 8.

Senate District 8 is one of three Senate races that could determine control of the Senate, where Democrats now are in charge, 11 seats to 10 seats for Republicans. The other key Senate races are in districts 9 and 20.