A longtime Henderson resident and conservative advocate has thrown her hat in the ring for Nevada’s Assembly District 23. Denise Daniels Fanning announced her candidacy this week, earning an immediate endorsement from the current officeholder, Assemblywoman Danielle Gallant.
Fanning brings a unique mix of public service experience and community involvement to the race. She recently worked as Program Manager for Southern Nevada in Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony’s Office of Small Business Advocacy, helping entrepreneurs navigate government regulations. Before that, she spent years in television commercial production as a Production Manager and Producer in major markets including Houston, Berkeley, and Los Angeles.
A Service-Oriented Background
The candidate’s commitment to service runs deep in her family. Fanning describes herself as an “Air Force brat” who grew up moving internationally before settling down to earn her Bachelor of Science in Radio, Television, and Film Communications from the University of Texas at Austin.
Her husband is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who flew the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter as a test pilot and now works for Southwest Airlines. Their son is studying at UNLV while earning his instrument rating in aviation, continuing the family’s service tradition.
Fanning hasn’t just talked about community involvement – she’s lived it. She spent six years as Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 903 in Henderson, leading summer camps and youth development programs. She’s also worked with STARBASE Henderson’s Department of Defense youth STEM program, introducing local students to science and technology careers.
The Current Political Landscape
Assembly District 23 is currently represented by Danielle Gallant (R), who assumed office on November 9, 202. However, Gallant announced yesterday that she’s running for the Nevada Senate District 20 seat that Senator Jeff Stone is vacating after deciding not to seek reelection in 2026.
This creates an open seat opportunity for conservatives to maintain their voice in Carson City. The district has shown strong Republican support in recent elections – Gallant first won her Assembly seat in 2022 with nearly 60 percent of the vote.
Gallant’s endorsement of Fanning carries weight in conservative circles.
In a social media post, Schayden Gorai praised Fanning as:
“a proven conservative leader, and someone who truly understands our community.”
He specifically noted her work supporting small businesses through the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and her extensive volunteer work with youth organizations.
Conservative Priorities Take Center Stage
Fanning has made her conservative values crystal clear from the start. According to her campaign materials, she’s “committed to protecting our values, economic freedom, limited government, and parental choice in education while representing District 23 with passion and dedication in Carson City.”
These themes resonate strongly with Nevada conservatives who’ve watched Democrats push through tax increases and expand government programs during recent legislative sessions. With Democrats holding a 27-15 majority following the 2024 election, every conservative voice matters in pushing back against big government overreach.
The emphasis on parental choice in education hits home for many Henderson families concerned about curriculum transparency and school policies. Fanning’s experience volunteering extensively in her son’s education gives her credibility on these issues that parents care about.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The race won’t officially heat up until the filing deadline, which is March 13, with the primary election scheduled for June 9, 2026. Democrats will certainly field their own candidate, though none have announced yet for this seat.
Conservatives interested in supporting Fanning’s campaign can learn more at Denisefornevada.com. With control of the Assembly hanging by a thread, races like this one will determine whether Nevada continues down the path of higher taxes and bigger government or returns to its roots of individual freedom and limited government.
As we approach 2026, expect this race to draw significant attention and resources from both parties. For conservatives, keeping this seat red is essential to having any check on Democrat power in Carson City.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
