Catherine Cortez Masto

Catherine Cortez Masto is a Democratic U.S. Senator from Nevada, first elected in 2016 and taking office in January 2017. She made history as the first woman from Nevada and the first Latina ever elected to the United States Senate. Born and raised in Las Vegas, she earned her undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1986 and her Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1990. Prior to her Senate service, she was re-elected in 2022 for a second term. Her early career included roles as a civil attorney in Las Vegas, a federal criminal prosecutor in Washington, D.C., and as Chief of Staff to Nevada Governor Bob Miller. From 2007 to 2015, she served two terms as the Attorney General of Nevada, where she focused on issues such as mortgage fraud, consumer protection, and sex trafficking. In the Senate, she currently serves on the Finance, Energy and Natural Resources, and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs committees. Her legislative accomplishments include securing federal funding for Nevada's infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and tourism industry while serving as a prominent advocate for her state's diverse population.

Cortez Masto's stated positions generally align with the Democratic Party platform, with a focus on healthcare, the environment, and immigration. She is a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act and has advocated for lowering prescription drug costs and capping insulin prices. On environmental issues, she promotes the transition to a clean energy economy and has worked on legislation to address the Western drought crisis and protect public lands. Regarding immigration, she supports comprehensive reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and Temporary Protected Status holders. Her economic priorities include middle-class tax relief, investments in workforce development, and support for the tourism and mining sectors. Additionally, she is a vocal advocate for the codification of reproductive rights into federal law.