Gerhardt will not run for re-election

Susan Gerhardt, who was first elected to the Assembly in 2004, has decided not to run for re-election in Assembly District 29, which is located in Henderson.  Gerhardt, who is recovering from a successful surgery earlier this week, said she chose not to run for re-election because of personal health and family issues.

"It's been my privilege to represent Assembly District 29 and to work on so many critical issues," Gerhardt said.  "Nevadans are fortunate to have many strong advocates for education, public safety and working families serving in the Legislature, and while I will not run for re-election, I will continue to help them fight for Nevada families however I can."

In Carson City, Gerhardt sponsored bills to give more rights to battered women weighing whether to prosecute their abusers, and measures to improve health and safety standards in local medical clinics.  She was a leader in encouraging her constituents to file homestead exemptions.

A retired law enforcement officer, Gerhardt fought on a Blue Ribbon panel to open up information about deaths of children in the foster care system.

While she recently announced she was one of the 40,000 Nevadans who was potentially exposed to Hepatitis C at a local endoscopy clinic, Gerhardt said she has tested negative and that is not related to her decision to retire from the Assembly.  

April Mastroluca, a longtime education advocate, is out of town this week but will be announcing her candidacy for Assembly District 29 next week.