Mo Denis

Moises Denis (born August 9, 1961) is an American politician who served as President pro tempore of the Nevada Senate between 2016 and 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented the 2nd district in the Nevada Senate between 2010 and 2022, covering parts of the eastern Las Vegas Valley. He was previously a member of the Nevada Assembly from 2004 to 2010, representing Assembly District 28 in the same area.

Mo Denis
President pro tempore of the Nevada Senate
In office November 9, 2016 – November 9, 2022
Preceded by	Joe Hardy
Succeeded by	Pat Spearman
President of the Nevada Senate
Acting
In office September 17, 2021 – December 16, 2021
Preceded by	Kate Marshall
Succeeded by	Lisa Cano Burkhead
Majority Leader of the Nevada Senate
In office February 4, 2013 – November 5, 2014
Preceded by	Steven Horsford
Succeeded by	Michael Roberson
Member of the Nevada Senate from the 2nd district
In office November 3, 2010 – November 9, 2022
Preceded by	Maggie Carlton
Succeeded by	Edgar Flores
Member of the Nevada Assembly from the 28th district
In office November 3, 2004 – November 3, 2010
Preceded by	Vonne Chowning
Succeeded by	Lucy Flores
Personal details
Born	(1961-08-09) August 9, 1961 (age 62) New York City, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Susan Cook
Children	5
Education	Brigham Young University (BA)

Biography

Denis was born in New York City to parents who had immigrated from Cuba. Denis is Mormon. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Uruguay. He studied at Brigham Young University. He has also served as a bishop in the LDS Church as well as in other positions. He is a cousin of United States Senator from Florida Marco Rubio.^[1][2] In 2019, an interview with Denis' sister stated that she was concerned for those unable to afford housing and living out of their cars.^[3] Denis is a computer technician.^[4]

Political career

Denis served three terms in the Nevada Assembly from 2004 to 2010, and served three term as a state senator between 2010 and 2022. He has frequently run unopposed or won lopsided victories. Denis led his caucus' re-election efforts in the 2012 cycle and served as Senate Majority Leader from 2013 to 2014.^[4][5] In December 2011, Denis resigned from his job with the Nevada Public Utilities Commission following an alleged conflict between his executive and legislative roles.^[6] Denis is the first Latino person to serve as Majority Leader of the Nevada Senate (or leader of any caucus).^[5]

Electoral history

• 2018 Denis was unopposed in the primary election.^[7] He defeated Republican candidate Cal Border in the general election with 13,717 votes (79.50%).^[8]
• 2014 Denis was unopposed in the primary election.^[9] He defeated Independent American Party candidate Louis Baker in the general election with 5,683 votes (76.37%).^[10]
• 2010 Incumbent Senator Maggie Carlton was term-limited out of Senate District 2, which overlapped with Denis' Assembly district.^[11] Denis ran to replace her and was unopposed in both the primary and general elections.^[12][13]
• 2008 Denis was unopposed in the primary.^[14] He defeated Republican candidate Tino Mendoza in the general election with 4,664 votes (78.86%).^[15]
• 2006 Denis was unopposed in both the primary and general elections.^[16][17]
• 2004 After incumbent Vonne Chowning did not seek re-election in Assembly District 28, Denis won the primary with 800 votes (51.38%) against Eddie Flores and Rosa Mendoza.^[18] He then won the general election with 4,218 votes (75.51%) against Republican nominee Benjamin Bell.^[19]
• 2002 Denis ran in the Democratic primary for Assembly District 28, but was defeated by incumbent Assemblywoman Vonne Chowning who had 601 votes (52.72%) compared to Denis' 539 votes (47.28%).^[20]

References

1. Haberman, Maggie. "Rubio went to a Mormon church as a kid". Politico. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
2. Zurcher, Anthony (February 23, 2016). "Marco Rubio returns to his roots in Nevada". BBC News. Retrieved March 1, 2016. Michelle's older brother, Moises Denis, didn't attend the Sunday night rally and, as a Democratic politician representing Las Vegas in the Nevada Senate, is on the opposite side of the political divide from his relative.
3. Graham, Jennifer (2019-10-19). "People who can't afford rent are living in their cars, and cities aren't sure what to do about them". Deseret News. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
4. "Nevada Legislators" (PDF). Retrieved January 26, 2022.
5. Vogel, Ed (November 14, 2011). "'Mo' Denis ready to lead legislative Democrats". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
6. Schwartz, David McGrath (December 19, 2011). "Mo Denis, target of suit challenging public employees in Legislature, leaving job with state". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
7. "2018 Statewide Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
8. "2014 Statewide Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
9. "2014 Statewide Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
10. "2014 Statewide Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
11. Schwartz, David McGrath (July 8, 2009). "Lawmakers' eyes widen at term limit vacancies". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
12. "2010 Statewide Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
13. "2010 Statewide Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
14. "2008 Statewide Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
15. "2008 Statewide Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
16. "2006 Statewide Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
17. "2006 Statewide Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
18. "2004 Statewide Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
19. "2004 Statewide General Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
20. "2002 Clark Primary Election Results". Carson City, Nevada: Secretary of State of Nevada. Retrieved January 26, 2022.

External links

• Campaign website
• Project Vote Smart - Assembly Member Moises 'Mo' Denis (NV) profile
• Follow the Money - Mo Denis
• Appearances on C-SPAN

Nevada Senate
Preceded by Steven Horsford	Majority Leader of the Nevada Senate 2013–2014	Succeeded by Michael Roberson
Preceded by Joe Hardy	President pro tempore of the Nevada Senate 2016–2022	Succeeded by Pat Spearman
Political offices
Preceded by Kate Marshall	President of the Nevada Senate Acting 2021	Succeeded by Lisa Cano Burkhead