John C. Steinbeck is a Republican member of the Nevada State Senate representing District 18 . Born in 1971 in Santa Monica, California, he is a career firefighter who served 34 years with the Clark County Fire Department, rising to Fire Chief in 2020 before resigning in January 2025 to focus on his legislative role. First elected in November 2024, defeating Democrat Ronald Bilodeau with 58% of the vote, he succeeded termed-out Sen. Scott Hammond. Notable achievements include responding to 9/11 in New York City and Hurricane Katrina , opening the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center after the 2017 Route 91 Harvest shooting, and receiving awards such as Nevada Emergency Preparedness Partner of the Year and Impact Nevada Leaders Award . He serves on committees including Senate Jobs and Economy, commerce and labor, revenue and economic development, and legislative operations and elections. Steinbeck supports election reforms like limiting mail ballot counting and signature cure periods, describes himself as moderately pro-gun control , and holds affiliations with the Nevada Fire Chiefs Association and International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Education and Political Experience

Education:

- Naval Post Graduate School Executive Leadership Program

- Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, Purdue Global

- Associate's in Fire Science, College of Southern Nevada

- Western High School, Las Vegas, NV

Political Experience:

- Nevada Senate, District 18

- Endorsed by Governor Joe Lombardo

- Board Member, Nevada Child Seekers

- Task Force Leader, FEMA Search and Rescue team