Melissa Hardy is a Republican Assemblymember representing District 22 in the Nevada Assembly, which covers parts of Henderson in Clark County. Born in 1969 in Las Vegas, she is a fourth-generation Nevadan from the pioneer Stewart family that settled the Las Vegas Valley in the early 1900s. She comes from a political family: her father, Mel Close, served 18 years as a Nevada state legislator, including as Assembly Speaker and Senate President Pro Tempore; her uncle Jack Close served in the Assembly; and her mother worked for U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt. Hardy has been married to her husband Damon for over 30 years and they have two daughters, both of whom attended Clark County Public Schools and UNLV. She was first elected in 2018, succeeding Keith Pickard, defeating Richard Bunce in the Republican primary and Democrat Kristee Watson in the general election. She currently serves as Assistant Minority Floor Leader and has been reelected for additional terms. Notable achievements include sponsoring legislation protecting vulnerable seniors, aiding victims of violent crime, promoting high-quality jobs, and improving school quality while empowering parents and students. Her priorities include education, workforce development/jobs/economy, health care, public safety, and economic opportunity. Prior to politics, she worked as a real estate agent , co-owned a Port of Subs franchise in Henderson , and held roles in Clark County courts, Las Vegas law firms, and the Las Vegas Country Club.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Las Vegas High School; earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration and Business Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas .
• Political Experience: Elected to Nevada Assembly District 22 in 2018 ; reelected for second and subsequent terms. Serves on committees including Commerce and Labor, Education, and Government Affairs. Known as a diligent advocate in the Assembly for healthcare access, quality education, public safety, and economic growth. Member of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce.