A Historic Win for Henderson
Dr. Monica Larson made history last November as the first Black city council member in Henderson, Nevada. Her victory came after a last-minute decision to run, driven by concerns over public safety in her community.
Facing an incumbent with years of experience, Larson defied expectations by securing a decisive win. She defeated her opponent by over 13%, marking a significant shift in the city’s leadership. Her election not only represents progress but also highlights the power of community-driven leadership.
From Retirement Plans to Political Leadership
Larson moved to Las Vegas from California with plans to retire. However, after settling in the Inspirada neighborhood, she noticed a rise in crime, including home invasions and vehicle thefts. Concerned for her community, she took action.
“Henderson is a place to call home because it is home,” she said. Rather than waiting for solutions, she formed a community watch group, enlisting retired police and military officers to patrol the area. Her proactive approach gained traction, but she felt local leaders were not responding to residents’ concerns.
The Decision to Run for Office
After repeatedly reaching out to her city council representative with no response, Larson knew she had to do more. She decided to run for the Ward 2 seat just days before the filing deadline.
“I registered to run the last two days of filing. People had 16 months on me, and I had two,” she said. Many doubted her chances, given Henderson’s small Black population of just 6%.
She also faced discouraging remarks from political figures. “In the primary, a certain councilwoman said I needed to wear a wig because no one was going to vote for an African American with short hair. That did not resonate well with me,” Larson shared.
A Grassroots Campaign with a Powerful Impact
Undeterred, Larson launched an aggressive grassroots campaign, knocking on doors and engaging with residents daily. She worked 12-hour days, building relationships and listening to community concerns.
Her dedication paid off when she won the general election by a historic margin. Larson’s victory sent a strong message about the power of determination and community engagement in politics.
Public Safety as a Top Priority
As a council member, Larson remains focused on public safety, advocating for stronger crime prevention measures to protect Henderson’s 300,000 residents. She believes in proactive solutions, emphasizing community involvement and law enforcement collaboration.
“You can do this. Don’t let others deter you based on your skin color or demographics,” she said. “Just throw that out the door. Keep focus; you can do and accomplish anything you want.”
Inspiring Future Leaders
Beyond public safety, Larson hopes her journey encourages others to pursue leadership roles. Her story proves that with dedication and resilience, change is possible, even against the odds.
Her election serves as a powerful example of representation, showing residents that leadership should reflect the diversity of the community it serves.
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