John Clifton Ellison is a Republican member of the Nevada State Senate representing District 19, which includes parts of Clark, Elko, Eureka, Lincoln, and White Pine Counties. A longtime Elko resident raised in a ranching family, he owns Ellison Electric as a skilled electrician, describes himself as a "cowboy philosopher," and is a dedicated family man married to Cindy with four children . He is Christian, served in the United States Marine Corps, and is a fervent advocate for Second Amendment rights. Notable achievements include winning the 2024 primary unopposed by Democrats in the deep-red district, securing his Senate seat for the 2025 session; previously serving as Nevada Assemblyman for District 33 after term limits; leadership roles such as Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore , Minority Whip Rural , and Co-Deputy Minority Floor Leader ; and local service on the Elko City Council , Planning Commission, and as County Commissioner for a decade. He currently serves on boards like the Elko County Senior Activity Programs and participates in federal programs for agriculture and rural taxes.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Elko High School.
• Political Experience:
  • Nevada State Senate, District 19 .
  • Nevada State Assembly, District 33 , serving in 6 regular and 7 special sessions; chaired Government Affairs Committee; served on committees including Commerce and Labor, Natural Resources/Agriculture/Mining, Taxation, Transportation, and Growth/Infrastructure.
  • Interim legislative committees on veterans' issues, sex offender laws, traffic violations, special license plates, and more.
  • Elko City Council ; Elko Planning Commission ; Elko County Commissioner .