Catherine Cortez Masto
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| Catherine Cortez Masto | |
|---|---|
| Name | Catherine Cortez Masto |
| Caption | Official portrait, 2017 |
| State | Nevada |
| Jr/sr | Senior Senator |
| Alongside | Jacky Rosen |
| Term start | January 3, 2017 |
| Predecessor | Harry Reid |
| Office1 | 32nd Attorney General of Nevada |
| Governor1 | Kenny Guinn, Jim Gibbons, Brian Sandoval |
| Term start1 | January 1, 2007 |
| Term end1 | January 5, 2015 |
| Predecessor1 | George Chanos |
| Successor1 | Adam Laxalt |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Paul Masto |
| Education | University of Nevada, Reno (BS), Gonzaga University School of Law (JD) |
| Birth date | 29 March 1964 |
| Birth place | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
Catherine Cortez Masto is an American politician and attorney serving as the senior United States Senator from Nevada since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she succeeded longtime Senate leader Harry Reid and made history as the first Latina ever elected to the U.S. Senate. Prior to her Senate service, she served two terms as the Attorney General of Nevada.
Early life and education
Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, she is the daughter of Joanna Cortez and the late Manny Cortez, a former Clark County commissioner and longtime head of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Her paternal grandfather, Edward Cortez, was an immigrant from Chihuahua, Mexico. She attended Ed W. Clark High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Nevada, Reno. She then received her Juris Doctor from the Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington.
Early career
After law school, she began her legal career as a civil attorney in private practice. She later served as a federal prosecutor in the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Returning to Nevada, she worked as chief of staff to Governor Bob Miller before entering statewide politics. Her early career provided extensive experience in both criminal justice and state government operations.
Nevada Attorney General
Elected in 2006 and re-elected in 2010, she served as the 32nd Attorney General of Nevada from 2007 to 2015. During her tenure, she focused on consumer protection, prosecuting mortgage fraud during the Great Recession, and combating human trafficking and violence against women. She created the state's first Mortgage Fraud Strike Force and worked with organizations like the National Association of Attorneys General. She also defended Nevada's position in legal challenges and did not seek a third term in 2014.
U.S. Senate career
In the 2016 election, she won the open seat of retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, defeating Republican Congressman Joe Heck. Upon taking office in 2017, she became the first Latina U.S. Senator. She was re-elected in a closely watched race in the 2022 election, defeating former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt. In the Senate, she serves on the Committee on Finance, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Political positions
Her legislative priorities often focus on issues critical to Nevada, including renewable energy development, water policy for the Colorado River, and tourism industry support. A proponent of the Affordable Care Act, she has advocated for lowering prescription drug costs and protecting Medicaid expansion. On the Banking Committee, she has worked on housing and consumer finance issues. She supports comprehensive immigration reform, including protections for DACA recipients, and has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and ERA ratification.
Personal life
She is married to former United States Secret Service agent Paul Masto. They reside in Las Vegas. Her family's deep roots in Nevada politics and the hospitality industry have significantly influenced her public service career. She is a Roman Catholic and has been involved with numerous community organizations throughout the state.
Category:1964 births Category:Living people Category:United States senators from Nevada Category:Nevada Attorneys General Category:American women senators Category:Democratic Party United States senators Category:University of Nevada, Reno alumni Category:Gonzaga University School of Law alumni Category:People from Las Vegas Category:American Roman Catholics