Bombay-born Indian-American Reuben D’Silva has been elected NV State Assemblyman from District 28 in the just concluded mid-term elections.  D’Silva becomes the first Indian-American in the Nevada State Legislature.

After graduating from Rancho High School, D’Silva earned a B.A. in American and European history from UNLV.  He continued his academic aspirations by completing a master’s degree in Global Affairs from the University of Pennsylvania and another master’s degree from Yale University. 

D’Silva served the country from 2004 to 2008, when he joined the US Marines and served in Iraq, where he came under enemy fire.  He received the Purple Heart Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal for his exemplary service in Iraq.  After graduating from Yale, D’Silva returned to Vegas to reconnect with the community by accepting a teaching position at his alma mater Rancho High School.  D’Silva strongly believes in giving back to the community, which is why he is still working as a school teacher in one of the most challenging public schools.  As his top priority, he believes that all children deserve a quality education and every Nevada student deserves an opportunity to attend higher education institutions irrespective of socio-economic status.

After winning the hard-fought primaries in June, D’Silva was considered the front-runner in the heavily Democratic District.  Running from AD28, D’Silva stressed his commitment to education, jobs, and the economy.  D’Silva emphasized that economic prosperity should be shared more equitably and that certain safeguards are in place for Nevada’s working families, who comprise most of his District.  The message resonated profoundly with his constituents resulting in D’Silva receiving 65% of the vote against his Republican rival.  

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