Candidate for Lieutenant Governor to speak at Monday's Democratic luncheon

Kimi Cole, former chair of Douglas County Democratic Party and current Chair of the Rural Nevada Democratic Caucus, will speak via Zoom at Monday's Democratic luncheon. She became chair of Douglas Democrats in March 2013 and served four terms in that position. Cole is the first Democratic candidate to formally announce a bid for the lieutenant governorship, and if successful she will be the first transgender candidate elected to statewide office in the whole of the United States.

Wednesday morning, backed by supporters on the capitol steps, Kimi declared her candidacy for the office of Lieutenant Governor. That office is currently vacant following the September 17th resignation of Kate Marshall, Nevada's 35th Lieutenant Governor, who accepted an appointment as senior advisor to governors in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

In her remarks at the capitol, Cole declared, “I’m a Battle Born and lifelong Nevadan with deep roots all across our state. I’m running for Lieutenant Governor because I believe Nevadans of all walks of life want and deserve authentic leadership, and that’s exactly what this campaign is about. Our economy, climate, and everyday life is rapidly changing, and we need someone who can help lead our transition into the new era,” Cole said. “This past year, we have proven our resilience—fighting COVID, the climate crisis, and economic collapse—but far too many of our political leaders remain intent upon dividing us up and even threatening the very essence of our democracy. It’s time for us to come together and continue to make progress on the promise of Nevada for every Nevadan.”

Kimi moved to Reno with her family in 1956, where she grew up and attended local schools, TMCC and UNR. In 1990 a business venture drew her to the Carson Valley, where she has lived and worked ever since. She has three adult children and seven grandchildren. On her adventurous side, she earned a reputation as a professional motocross racer, Hobie Cat racer, bungee jumper, and skydiver.

In 2009, after undergoing gender transition, Kimi was sometimes subjected to harsh and disrespectful treatment, simply for being "different." The "lights went on" as it quickly became clear how harsh the world could be to those who don't neatly fit in. The realization that too many people experience such treatment on a regular basis compelled Kimi's decision to get off the sidelines–she became politically active with a number of community organizations and progressive groups. She also became heavily involved with Organizing for America and the 2012 Obama reelection campaign.

Lobbying heavily at the Nevada Legislature in 2013, Kimi played an active part in the successful effort to have "gender identity or expression" added as a distinct protected group in Nevada's Hate Crime Law. In 2015 she played a prominent role in organizing a bipartisan effort that ultimately stopped the infamous "Bathroom Bill" in its tracks. Ms. Cole has presented a TEDx talk illuminating the lived experience of gender dysphoria and has been recognized in numerous statewide and national publications for her work in this area.

Under Cole's leadership, the Rural Nevada Democratic Caucus pioneered virtual (Zoom) town halls starting in 2019, an initiative that brought top presidential candidates to rural Nevada for the first time. In times past, candidate visits to rural areas were either non-existent or little more than a wave to the crowd. This virtual outreach has expanded rural connections and increased grassroots involvement that paid dividends in the 2020 elections.

Sponsored by the Democratic Men's Committee, this event is scheduled for noon on Monday, November 15th. Kimi will be presenting via Zoom. Participants are invited to join the conversation through Zoom or over a DIY lunch at Democratic HQ. Those wishing to be on distribution for luncheon Zoom links should email Rich Dunn, Men's Committee Events Coordinator, at richdunn@aol.com.