Assembly Member P.K. O'Neill – Nevada

P.K. O'Neill is a Republican member of the Nevada State Assembly, representing District 40, which includes parts of Carson City, Storey County, and a portion of Washoe County. His full name is Philip K. O'Neill, and he is commonly known by the moniker P.K. O'Neill. Born in 1951 in Washington, D.C., he has spent much of his life in public service, with prior professional experience that includes roles such as a mortuary assistant and a police officer. These service-oriented careers have influenced his focus on community and public safety issues throughout his legislative work.

Education

O'Neill received a private Jesuit education, which he has cited as one of the formative influences on his values and career path. His educational background contributes to his emphasis on ethics, civic responsibility, and leadership in public service.

Political Experience

P.K. O'Neill represents District 40 in the Nevada Assembly as a member of the Republican Party. He previously served during the 2015 legislative session and returned for the 2021 session, later taking on a leadership role as the leader of the Assembly Republican Caucus. In this position, he has guided a caucus that makes up a minority of the chamber, working to advocate for Republican priorities despite the limited number of seats.

One of his most notable moments in the Legislature came in 2015 when he was one of several Assembly Republicans who joined Democrats to support a major tax package proposed by then‑Governor Brian Sandoval. The measure added roughly $1.1 billion in revenue, including the creation of Nevada’s Commerce Tax on businesses with substantial annual gross revenue, and was intended to bolster K–12 education funding. His support of this package was controversial among some Republican voters and contributed to his defeat in a subsequent primary election.

O'Neill’s ability to return to the Assembly and assume a caucus leadership role underscores his standing within the Republican Party in Nevada. His legislative focus includes issues affecting Carson City, Storey, and parts of Washoe County, as well as broader fiscal, education, and public safety matters.