Former Nevada Speaker John Hambrick, a Republican assemblyman known for his dedication to fighting human trafficking and advocating for juvenile offenders, has passed away at the age of 79 after battling throat cancer. He passed away in Ohio on Wednesday night.
Hambrick, originally from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, began his career in law enforcement with the Secret Service before transitioning to roles with the federal inspector general office and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. He eventually moved to Nevada in 1999 and ventured into politics, serving in the Assembly for 12 years before reaching his term limit.
During his time in the Legislature, Hambrick was involved in various bills and initiatives, particularly focusing on combating human trafficking. He introduced Assembly Bill 380 in 2009, which aimed to freeze the assets of individuals involved in child sex trafficking and allocate the funds to support victims. Additionally, he championed Assembly Bill 338, which required the state to post signs in areas suspected of being trafficking hot spots.
Apart from his work on human trafficking, Hambrick also advocated for criminal justice reform concerning minors. He supported legislation to expunge the records of former sex workers who turned their lives around, enabling them to secure employment opportunities.
In 2015, Hambrick played a significant role in juvenile justice reform by sponsoring a bill to eliminate life sentences without the possibility of parole for individuals under 18. He believed in giving people second chances and the concept of redemption.
Despite being a Republican, Hambrick was willing to collaborate across party lines, prioritizing causes that benefited children and youth. He worked closely with former Governor Brian Sandoval to advance education reforms, including supporting tax increases for education funding. Hambrick also partnered with Senate Majority Leader Michael Roberson to pass legislation ensuring all students had access to breakfast at school.
Described as a thoughtful and unifying figure, Hambrick served as Speaker during a period of Republican Party discord. He was praised for his ability to listen to differing viewpoints and maintain a respectful demeanor during debates.
Hambrick’s legacy extends beyond his political career, as he was recognized for his kindness, love for children, and festive spirit during the holiday season. His friends and colleagues fondly remember his annual Christmas decorations, which transformed his home into a winter wonderland.
In remembrance of his dedicated service, Hambrick’s funeral will be held in Grove City, Ohio, on Nov. 16. His impact on the state, his district, and the nation will be cherished by those who knew him.
For inquiries, please contact Jessica Hill at jehill@reviewjournal.com or follow her on X.
