Pat Spearman | |
---|---|
President pro tempore of the Nevada Senate | |
Assumed office February 6, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Mo Denis |
Member of the Nevada Senate from the 1st district | |
Assumed office November 7, 2012 | |
Preceded by | John Jay Lee |
Personal details | |
Born | 1955 (age 68–69) Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Education | Norfolk State University (BA) Seminary of the Southwest (MDiv) |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch/service | United States Army |
Years of service | 1977–2007 |
Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Unit | Military Police Corps |
Patricia Ann Spearman (born 1955) is an American cleric, veteran, and Democratic politician from North Las Vegas, Nevada. She was elected in November 2012 to the Nevada Senate representing District 1, that is composed of the northern section of North Las Vegas and slivers of neighboring jurisdictions, after defeating incumbent John Jay Lee in the primary, and winning the general election. Spearman became the first openly lesbian member of the Nevada Legislature. She was re-elected in November 2016, and serves as co-majority whip since. Regarded as one of the most liberal members of the Nevada Senate, Spearman has introduced bills that provide equal pay for women, support LGBT rights, and support veterans.[1] Spearman is also a supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment.[2] Moreover, she was involved in the process of establishing the Nevada Revenue Plan during the 2015 session. On October 6, 2021, Spearman entered the 2022 race for Mayor of North Las Vegas, Nevada.[3]
Before being elected senator, Spearman served in the United States Army for 29 years, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel, was a pastor, and held several public service positions, including president of the school district of San Marcos, Texas.