Assemblyman won’t run again after one term

CARSON CITY -- Assemblyman Mark Sherwood, who gained a reputation as the most outspoken freshman in the Assembly last spring, said Thursday he will not be a candidate for re-election next year to his Assembly District 21 seat.

Sherwood, R-Henderson, said he needs to spend more time working on his business but does not rule out running for office again in the future. At 41, he is the father of four children and publisher of Parents Guide of Las Vegas, a monthly magazine for parents and families. He also is starting a new magazine, Senior Connections, for senior citizens.

He said he endorses Becky Harris, a Las Vegas lawyer who lives in the district, as the Republican who should replace him in the Legislature.

"She will do a bang-up job," he said. "She works in home mediation and helps keep people in their homes."

But Democrats now hold nearly an 8 percentage point advantage over Republicans in the district. As part of the redistricting plan drawn by District Judge James T. Russell and his special masters, Sherwood's district and parts of term-limited Speaker John Oceguera's district were combined.

District 21 generally lies in southeast Las Vegas and Henderson on both sides of Interstate 215.

Sherwood intends to remain active in politics but believes he may better represent the interests of families and senior citizens through his magazines.

"I still care very deeply about Nevada. I will be engaged at some level."

Although a freshman, Sherwood frequently challenged Democratic positions during the session, at times engaging in heated floor debates with some Democratic leaders.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900.