James W. Healey was elected Assemblyman District 35 in 2012 and is up for re-election with early voting beginning Saturday October 18th 2014 and election day being on Tuesday November 4th 2014.

James, who is an openly gay politician, has been a champion and leader in the community for almost two decades, focusing on helping those in need as well as achieving equal rights for all Nevadans and Americans. James has been a part of developing one of Southern Nevada’s largest community volunteer networks, which helps with multiple events each month benefiting organizations such as St. Jude’s and the Las Vegas Mission. He has also participated in an effort that has assisted more than 500 immigrants to achieve citizenship through several immigration workshops.

James was very proud to be honored as the “2012 MGM Resorts International Employee Volunteer of the Year.” He was humbled to be recognized by his co-workers, peers and executives of the company for his work within the community. In 2009, James was honored with the “President of the United States Volunteer Service Award.” through the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada.

James has served as a past President and board member of the Southern Nevada Association of Pride, Inc. and on the National Board of Governors / Steering Committee Co-Chair for the Las Vegas chapter of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). In his eight years of being a part of HRC, he has been honored as “Volunteer of the Year” and “Co-Chair of the Year” for his tireless work as an advocate for equal rights for all Americans, including in the workplace, military and housing. He is also a member of Freedom Nevada’s Advisory Committee, a grassroots campaign supporting same sex marriage in Nevada

Healey currently works as the Executive Director of Housekeeping at the New York – New York Hotel and Casino. He has more than twenty years of operational management experience in the hotel and casino industry. His current area of responsibility includes Housekeeping, Environmental Services (Public Area), Uniform Control and Property Sustainability. His team exists of approximately 430 employees and he is responsible for a $25 million annual budget.

James joined the New York New York team in February 2001 as Director of Hotel Operations. In April of 2004, he transitioned into the role of Director of Guest Services where he was responsible for the Public Area Department. Prior to joining the New York – New York family, he was part of the team that opened the MGM Grand, where he spent over seven years in a variety of positions in Hotel Operations, Human Resources and the Theme Park. Prior to moving to Las Vegas, James started his career in the hospitality industry with the Marriott and then moved to the Sheraton Corporation.

James attended two years at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, majoring in Hotel Administration. In 1993, he relocated to Las Vegas where he continued his education at the Community College of Southern Nevada and at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas.

When James is not either working or volunteering, he loves to spend time traveling with his friends and family.

When did you know you wanted to get into politics? 

It all started a little over 10 years ago when I went to Washington DC to lobby on the “Hill” with HRC. We met with Senator Reid and by the end of the meeting, I was shocked how much he listened and how much my voice mattered. I left that meeting and said to myself that I want to be a part of this system. I want to be able to influence change and felt that I could play a part in improving the quality of lives for others. Since that time, I have spent time, especially through my work with HRC, learning the process and preparing to run for office.

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Is it difficult being an openly gay politician?

I have been fortunate to work for a company that has allowed me to really embrace who I am and be proud of what I have to contribute. Being gay doesn’t define who I am, that is done by my character, personality and principals. So it hasn’t been hard for me to be open. Watching my mentor and friend Senator David Parks who was the only openly gay political leader for well over a decade, inspired me to not allow him to stand alone any longer. He has been openly out and serving, even through some of the toughest times. Not only has he stood strong on his beliefs, but he has been such an advocate and pioneer for the LGBT movement. That was inspiration for me to stand with him and the others and continue to fight for equality.

Do you think there could ever be an LGBT President of the United States? 

The beauty of the United States of America is that anybody can achieve and/or be anything. President Obama is a perfect example of not allowing “society” dictate what you can do in this life. No matter what your feelings are towards his politics, the fact that he is our first African American President, shows that the people of the USA can open their minds and accept a person for who they are and what they can contribute. Also, who’s to say we haven’t had an LGBT President in the past?

You have worked for the MGM Mirage for a long time. What are the most impressive changes you have you seen in the casino industry over the years?

I have been in the gaming and hospitality field for well over two decades. It is always exciting to see how the industry is constantly reinventing itself. It is exciting to be in an industry that provides a different challenge and opportunity every day. I think the biggest change I have seen in our industry is how the initial emphasis went from gaming to more of a Food & Beverage, Hotel, shopping, clubs and spa experience. When I started in Las Vegas, us hotel folk were the forgotten ones, now we are the leaders at the table and are taken seriously.

You had a very close relationship with your grandmother. What made your relationship with her so special?

My Nana and I had a wonderful relationship that I will cherish forever. She was originally from Australia and even after living in the USA for over 50 years, still had a very strong Aussie accent. That was something that was very consistent with who she was, very strong, loyal, dependable and committed person who never gave up on things, no matter how tough the situation may have been at the time.

Growing up, I spent a lot of time with Nana. She was a master chef in the kitchen and we loved spending the weekends preparing amazing meals for all the dinner parties she hosted. She taught me how to cook, serve her guests properly, manners at the table and how to be disciplined about doing chores. I give her credit for shaping the man I am today. She was very old school proper, but when she found out I was gay, she was totally accepting and the first thing she asked was if I had someone special in my life. She was always asking and told me that I was special and deserved to have someone special. She was my biggest fan and unfortunately she passed the week before the start of my first session in the Assembly. I was sad that she wasn’t able to physically see me sworn in that day, but I know her spirit was right there with me in the chamber.

What’s your prediction for marriage equality in Nevada?

I am confident that Nevada is ready to accept Marriage Equality. Not only is it the right thing to do, to allow all loving couples equal access to marriage, but it is also so important in strengthening and growing the Nevada Economy. Marriage Equality will give so many service industry employees that have been fully trained the opportunity to return to work and serve all the new couples coming to Nevada to tie the knot. The increased revenues that will result will allow more money to go to things in our state that are a priority, like education and healthcare.

What advice do you have for our future generation of LGBT individuals who dream of getting into politics?

Be true to who you are and never allow anyone to say that you can’t do or be something, just because you are LGBT. LGBT does not define who you are as a person, it is just a part of who you are. This should not be what you run on or be your platform. Make your platform about issues or things you are passionate about. It is my experience that voters elect people who are confident, passionate and true to themselves and their convictions.