Firefighter Luke McCarthy has recently announced his candidacy for a Las Vegas City Council seat, ushering in the 2026 midterm elections for Ward 2 in the west valley. McCarthy, a 54-year-old veteran firefighter, shared that his decision to run for office stemmed from a conversation with his daughter, who suggested he delve into local issues after years of conducting candidate endorsement interviews as an executive board member of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1908 union.
Reflecting on his motivation, McCarthy emphasized the importance of creating an environment conducive to business growth, employment opportunities, tax contributions, education, and overall societal productivity. He stressed the pivotal role that government must play in enabling these aspects. As an aspiring council member, McCarthy aims to tackle pressing issues such as homelessness, affordable housing shortages, healthcare professional shortages, and sustainable city growth.
Incumbent Councilwoman Victoria Seaman, who has represented Ward 2 since 2019, is expected to announce her intentions for re-election soon. McCarthy commended Seaman for her advocacy on firefighters’ issues, expressing a positive view of her track record in this area. With the Nevada candidate filing period set to commence in a year, McCarthy has already identified key challenges facing the city, including the contentious housing project at the defunct Badlands golf course.
The city’s resolution of the legal disputes surrounding the Badlands golf course is a significant development, with a deal underway to settle lawsuits filed by the property owner, EHB Cos., for $286 million. The agreement will pave the way for the construction of 1,480 upscale homes by Lennar Homes. McCarthy welcomed the resolution of this protracted legal battle, emphasizing the importance of bringing closure to the matter.
McCarthy also highlighted his advocacy for vertical, mixed-use developments as a strategy to address the city’s housing needs and support sustainable growth. Drawing on his experience in the fire service, he underscored the evolving role of fire departments in responding to social service needs, particularly those related to homelessness. McCarthy emphasized the importance of providing wrap-around services to address mental health, addiction, and physical health issues among the homeless population.
Beyond housing and homelessness, McCarthy emphasized the need to support small businesses and promote economic growth in Las Vegas. He envisioned a city that fosters entrepreneurship and attracts and retains healthcare professionals. Additionally, McCarthy expressed his support for expanding the city’s sports economy, advocating for the establishment of NBA and Major League Soccer teams.
A seasoned public servant, McCarthy brings a wealth of experience to his candidacy, having served in fire departments in Atlanta, Arlington County, Virginia, and Clark County. His academic background in political science, fire science administration, and crisis and emergency management equips him with a diverse skill set for addressing the complex challenges facing the city. McCarthy’s emphasis on teamwork and collaborative leadership reflects his approach to governance, underscoring his commitment to working with the council and the mayor to advance the city’s interests.
As McCarthy embarks on his campaign for the Las Vegas City Council seat, his vision for a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable city resonates with the aspirations of many residents. With a focus on economic development, housing solutions, and community well-being, McCarthy’s candidacy offers a compelling platform for addressing the pressing issues facing Ward 2 and the broader Las Vegas community. For more information, reach out to Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.
