Hispanic tech worker to run as GOP Assembly candidate
CARSON CITY -- A 37-year-old technology architect for IGT announced Wednesday that he will be a Republican candidate for Assembly District 31, a seat now held by Assemblyman Richard "Skip" Daly, D-Sparks.
If he is elected, David Espinosa could become the only Hispanic Republican serving in the Legislature.
He said he is making his first run for public office because of his concern about the Nevada economy, especially the lack of jobs.
"Government, especially the Legislature, should mow the lawn and paint the lines and tell people to go play," said Espinosa, a pro-growth, limited government advocate. "It is imperative we fix what is broken, while preserving and reinforcing what is working. I will vote to keep taxes low so we can create an environment for success, especially for small businesses that we need to build and sustain our (economic) foundation."
A native of Barcelona, Spain, who moved to Las Vegas at age 6, Espinosa said the United States only has to look at Spain's economic problems to see what can happen with runaway government spending.
Espinosa, a graduate of Western High School, became a U.S. citizen at age 18. He moved to Northern Nevada in 1993. He has bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Nevada, Reno.
As a technology architect, he works with a team that provides technology guidance to IGT and its customers.
A father of three, he said the cornerstone of success is education.
"Our system is broken, and I believe that a 21st century education system must include 21st century solutions." he said.
Democrats have a 26-16 membership edge in the Assembly. There are no Republicans in the Legislature who are Hispanic. Espinosa, who speaks three languages, said several Hispanic Republicans besides him will run in the November election.
Because of redistricting, Republicans have a 4 percentage point registration advantage over Democrats in District 31. When Daly won in 2010, Democrats held a wide lead in registration.
Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 202-783-1760.
