Hello, I’m Ruben Kihuen. I’m a long time Nevada resident with deep ties to District 11. I love meeting people and sharing in their experiences. I have enjoyed getting to know many of the good hard working people in our community through my public service, and I look forward to meeting even more of you as I serve our community. I appreciate your taking the time to get to know me a little better.

I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on April 25, 1980. Although my parents loved their home country, they felt compelled to seek out a life that would provide their children with greater opportunities. Attracted by the ideals that have made America great, my parents moved to the United States. Although my parents had been professionals in Mexico, when we first arrived in America, they worked as California farm laborers. Their sacrifices and their dedication to the ideals of hard work, family, and country are what first sparked my desire to be involved in public service.

In 1993, my parents moved the family from the fields of California and settled us in Las Vegas where I finally had the opportunity to put down roots. I attended J.D. Middle School and made friends in the classroom and on the soccer field. All of my siblings and I graduated from Rancho High School. While attending Rancho, I enjoyed participating in Theatre and the Hispanic Student Union. I also had the pleasure of serving as captain of the soccer team my Junior and Senior years, and in 1997 I was honored to receive Nevada’s “Soccer Player of the Year” award.

After graduation from Rancho, I attended the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN) where I came to truly understand the value of higher education. As my appreciation for education grew, I was struck by the fact that many potential students were unaware of the opportunities available to them; so, from 1999-2005, I served as a Student Recruiter for CCSN and was able to encourage and motivate hundreds of students to pursue higher education. After completing my basic education requirements at CCSN, I continued my studies at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education.


Throughout my life, I have admired the men and women of Nevada, who dedicate their lives to compassionate and effective community service. Following their examples, I have tried to give back to my community by becoming active in the political process and public services:

• In 1998, I volunteered on Senator Harry Reid’s campaign and a County Commission campaign.

• In 2002, I served as Personal Assistant to State Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins and was responsible for assisting constituents and planning community events.

• I served as the Nevada State Democratic Party’s Deputy Field Director for the 3rd District’s congressional campaign and was instrumental in helping register over 5,000 individuals to vote.

• From 2003-2004, I served as the Nevada State Democratic Party’s Base Vote Director; through our outreach program, which included concentrated efforts in District 11, we registered nearly 10,000 new voters.

• In 2004, I represented Nevada at the 2004 “Next Generation of Democratic Leaders” conference hosted by Senator Hillary Clinton in Washington D.C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• From 2005-2006, I served as a Regional Representative for United States Senator Harry Reid; in that position I reached out to constituents to ensure their needs were met, planned community events, and worked on various issues impacting Nevada families.

• I served as a Field Organizer for political campaigns in Virginia, Texas, and Florida.


My family and I continue to be active in the Las Vegas community: my father, Armando, is a member of the Teacher’s Union; my mother, Blanca, and my brother, Jorge, are both members of the Culinary Union. Although my sister, Mariana, is currently attending Georgetown University in Washington D.C., she plans to return to Las Vegas on completion of her degree and be active in public service.

I faithfully attend St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, where I have been an active member for the past 13 years. I volunteer at St Vincent’s Shelter in their program to feed the homeless. I also am a volunteer with PAYBAC, a program for motivating middle school students to stay in school. In the political arena, I currently serve on the North Las Vegas Citizen’s Advisory Committee to which I was appointed by Councilman, Robert Eliason and the Clark County Community Development Advisory Committee to which I was appointed by Commission Chairman, Rory Reid.

Along with my volunteer activities and involvement in public service, I also enjoy traveling, exercising, motivating youth, reading autobiographies of men and women who make a difference, and spending time with my family. Among the people I admire most are my parents, for their dedication to their family and commitment to their ideals; President Bill Clinton, for his gift for public speaking and his desire to protect the rights of Americans; and Senator Harry Reid for his dedication to Nevada and his independent spirit.

I feel deeply grateful to District 11 for all it has given my family and me. I love my community and look forward to repaying all that has been done for me by serving the public honestly and diligently.