Linda Hunt, Assembly District 17, D-North Las Vegas

Hunt succeeds fellow Democrat Clara “Claire” Thomas, who left office for an unsuccessful bid for termed-out Sen. Pat Spearman’s seat. Hunt is a Culinary Local 226 shop steward and food server.

Hunt said she ran for office because she heard many of her community members and fellow union members say they didn’t see themselves in the Legislature or have trust in their politicians. She said she’s focused on making improvements in education, housing and health care.

Her bill draft requests are centered on cutting down wait times for background checks, improving access to identification documents for homeless people and addressing dangers from street racing by requiring totaled vehicles to get a DMV inspection to check for modifications on the car.

Another bill she’s drafting will impose timeline requirements for service contracts, also known as home warranties. She said she’s considering language that would require repairs done on home appliances done within 14 days.

“So many times, people get these home warranties,” Hunt said. “In Vegas, the summers are so hot and their air conditioning unit goes out and they can’t get the repairs in a timely manner. They get it done eventually, but not in a timely manner as to where it can cause all kinds of health issues or even up to death.”