After winning the competitive primary election for the Assembly seat from District 28, Bombay-born Indian-American Reuben D’Silva is scripting history by continuing his quest to be the first Indian-American elected in Nevada. 

In a history-making move, D’Silva will give a growing South-Asian community a voice in Carson City in crafting legislation impacting all Nevadans. 

D’Silva is running in an open seat vacated by Assemblyman Edgar Flores, who is running for the State Senate. Assemblyman Flores has enthusiastically endorsed D’Silva’s candidacy for his old seat. D’Silva grew up in the District when his parents and siblings moved to Las Vegas in 1991.

It’s a watershed moment for the South-Asian political activist in Nevada. D’Silva graciously agreed to sit down with Swadeep, Editor of vegasdesi.com, to introduce himself to the community and discuss his candidacy in an upcoming election

·         What made you interested in the wild world of Politics?

I have always believed politics to be the most influential of arenas and the most direct way to impact the community around you. Indian-American voices have never held elected office in Nevada. I felt it was vital for me to try to win our community a seat at the table of law-making in our State.

·         Are you Single, Married, or in a Relationship? On numerous occasions, our Indian-American community has asked me about your status.

I am single and looking for a wife to start a family with.

·         Where is your family from in India, and how they decided to call Las Vegas their home?

I was born in Bombay. My family is from Goa. Upon leaving India in 1987, my family first settled in Flushing, Queen (New York City), and then decided to move to Las Vegas in 1991 for better work opportunities.

·         Tell us more about your immediate family members and how long you have been in Southern Nevada.

My late father was an RTC bus driver here in Las Vegas. My mother recently retired this past June after a 25-year career as a public school educator. My sister is a PA working locally. My two brothers are both lawyers. Both of my brothers are also veterans of the U.S. Military.  

·         Your family had to endure numerous hurdles to become a U.S. resident/Citizen. Please let the community know about your experience with the immigration process.

I come from a mixed-status family. My youngest siblings were born in the USA. My dad received his green card through the Simpson-Mazzoli Act. My mom, myself, and my brother overstayed our visas and were undocumented. We faced deportation but received a stay from removal largely because of the efforts of then U.S. Senator Richard Bryan. I am a strong believer in immigration reform, and a strong believer that immigrants make America a stronger and more vibrant nation.  

·         Tell me about your educational and professional background.

I have a B.A. in American and European history from UNLV. I have a master’s degree in Global Affairs from the University of Pennsylvania and a second M.A. degree from Yale University. I served in the U.S. Marines from 2004 – 2008 and served a combat deployed to Iraq in 2007. I received both the Purple Heart Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal for my service in Iraq. Since 2013 I have been serving as a public school educator in the Clark County School District.

·         You are honorably discharged from the U.S. military. Very few Indian-American families encourage their children to join the military. Educate us on why you joined the armed forces, your family’s reaction when you informed them of your decision, your tour of duty, and your experience on the battlefield.

The United States has given much to me and my family. I felt that serving in the U.S. Military was a way to honor the nation that gave us so much. At first, my dad was upset that I chose to join the Marines during a time of war. He supported my choice to serve in the military, but questioned my decision to serve in a branch as committed to combat presence as the Marines. He eventually allowed me to serve. Upon leaving the service I garnered several benefits including getting my college education paid for, buying a house with zero money down, and receiving life-long medical coverage.

·         You ran for an elected office multiple times; however, you will represent the Las Vegas Community for the first time. How do you feel about winning and making history by being the first elected Indian-American in the State of Nevada?

I am well aware of the historical nature of my campaign. We Indian Americans will finally have elected representation in Nevada. I hope to open doors for other Desi people and help more South Asians become elected to public office.

·         You attended Rancho High School, one of the most challenging schools in the Clark County School District. What made you come back after graduating from Yale University to teach at Rancho High?

I am a deep believer in my Northeast Las Vegas community. It is an area that is facing significant socio-economic issues. I was tremendously blessed to have excellent parents who kept me focused on academic success. I eventually was blessed enough to be accepted to Yale University. After graduating from Yale, I received many lucrative job opportunities outside of Nevada but felt that I could multiply the blessings I received if I came back to teach at my high school, and help other students reach their own goals of going to college

·         You first ran for the office of U.S. Congress in 2016 against the political giant Congresswoman Dina Titus. How was the experience, and why did you run for one of the highest elected offices?

Running against Dina Titus opened many doors for me. I learned how to operate a campaign, build grassroots support to deflect much of the institutional power I was up against, and I built new arenas of support in our community. Most importantly, I got my name out and was able to build brand recognition that eventually helped me win the June 2022 primary election.

·         What are your economic priorities for the State, and how will you integrate your plan with the local South Asian communities?

My priorities for the State are education, healthcare, and growing the economy. I will be looking to use my office to create opportunities for more engagement and integration for South Asian communities in the Nevada public affairs sphere

·         While running for an elected office beginning in February 2022, what kind of moral and financial support you got from our growing and prosperous Indian-American community?

I have received tremendous moral support from the Indian-American community. I will eternally be thankful to the outpouring of support I have received from local Indian families and their friends. I am also very appreciative of all who have contributed financially to our historic campaign. The financial contributions are the life-blood of our effort to secure the seat this November.

·         What are your long-term future political plans?

I plan on running for re-election in 2024. I also want to work on good legislation that will not only benefit my East Las Vegas constituents, but the State of Nevada at large. I specifically want to look into growing the overall economy, securing much-needed funding for public education, and making healthcare more affordable and of a higher quality for all Nevadans

·         If someone would like to donate to your campaign, what’s the easiest/quickest way to help you financially with the campaign?

One can donate directly through my website at www.DSilvaForNevada.com

·         What’s the easiest way to contact you now and after November 2022?

Email me at reuben@dsilvafornevada.com

Thanks, Reuben and all the best with your future political and professional endeavors.

https://dsilvafornevada.com/new-campaign-video