Fabian DoñateServing

Fabian Doñate

State SenateDemocrat

NV-NV SD-10 State Senate

Mexican-American·Deputy Majority Whip (2025)

Why This Race Matters

Donate is up for re-election in 2026 in this safe Democratic Las Vegas district covering the Strip and Central Vegas. At just 29, he is the youngest state senator in Nevada history and one of the few Gen Z state legislators in the country. As Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, he has championed street vendor licensing (SB 92) and consumer protections for solar energy—policies that directly impact the Latino working-class families of his district.

Donate was originally appointed in February 2021 to replace Yvanna Cancela, who left to join the Biden administration. He won his first election in 2022 with 55.5% in the general. He raised $49,000 in 2025 campaign fundraising, the least among Democratic senators in safe seats. No challengers have filed yet (filing deadline is March 13, 2026).

Key dates to watch: Primary on June 9, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Senator Fabian Doñate made history in 2021 when he became the youngest state senator in Nevada history at age 24. Born in Los Angeles to Mexican immigrant parents from Zacatecas, he grew up in District 10 surrounded by casino workers and union families. A defining moment came when he had to translate a diabetes diagnosis for his Spanish-speaking father at a doctor's appointment—despite having excellent health insurance through the Culinary Workers Union, the language barrier created a health disparity that shaped his commitment to healthcare equity.

Family & Heritage

Son of Mexican immigrants from Zacatecas, Mexico. First in his family to complete college and earn a graduate degree. Grew up as a "Culinary kid" with his father working as a porter at the Stratosphere Hotel and a member of the Culinary Workers Union. During the COVID-19 pandemic, returned to Las Vegas to help his family navigate unemployment forms when they were laid off.

Political Career

Before Politics

Development consultant at University of Maryland School of Public Health; Regional account management coordinator at American Cancer Society; Health policy research assistant at Center for Latino Prosperity; Member of Joe Biden's National Health Policy Committee during the 2020 presidential campaign; Intern for U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto; Elevator and pool attendant at Strat Hotel, Casino and SkyPod

Education

B.S. in Public Health from University of Nevada Las Vegas (2018); M.S. in Healthcare Administration from University of Maryland (2020)

Awards & Recognition

Youngest State Senator in Nevada History; UNLV School of Public Health Alumnus of the Year; Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health (Lifetime Member)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Healthcare Access
*Immigration Reform
*Education
*Worker Protections
*Small Business Support
*Tax Reform

Notable Legislation

SB 92 - Street Vendor Licensing

Legitimized street vendors across Nevada, providing necessary permits to operate and grow small businesses

Signed into Law

SB 295 - Food Vendor Regulation Reform

Requires local health boards to provide targeted outreach to sidewalk vendors and establishes a dedicated task force for vendor-related public health policies

2025 Session

SB 379 - Solar Consumer Protections

Introduces consumer protection measures for solar energy systems, addressing deceptive marketing practices and strengthening disclosure requirements

2025 Session

SB 142 - Wage Protection

Increases the amount of wages protected from certain debt collections

2025 Session

Endorsements

Culinary Union (UNITE HERE Local 226)Labor
Nevada Conservation LeagueEnvironmental
Progressive Turnout ProjectPolitical

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