A.R.C. LEADERSHIP
Gregory Hafen II
Minority Leader
Nevada Assembly Republican Caucus
Gregory Hafen II was born and raised in Nevada and is a fifth-generation Nevadan and small business owner. Hafen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
In addition to serving in the Nevada Legislature, he is a father and the general manager of Pahrump Utility Company, Inc.
He is also the Chairman of the Desert View Hospital Board and member of the Nevada Taxpayer Association.
Gregory@Hafen4Nevada.com | 775-209-3006
Melissa Hardy
Deputy Minority Leader - South
Melissa Hardy, a fourth-generation Nevadan, proudly serves as the Assemblywoman for District 22 and as the Southern Deputy Leader for the Assembly Republican Caucus.
Inspired by a strong family legacy of public service—her father, Mel Close, served as Nevada Assembly Speaker and in the Senate, and her mother, Connie, was an aide to Senator Paul Laxalt—Melissa believes public service is a meaningful way to give back and contribute to Nevada’s growth and prosperity for future generations.
Born into the pioneer Stewart family, who settled in the Las Vegas Valley in the early 1900s, Melissa grew up with deep roots in Nevada’s history. A graduate of Las Vegas High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Administration and Business Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Melissa and her husband, Damon, have been married for more than 30 years and are proud parents to two daughters, both of whom attended Clark County public schools and UNLV. Their family has grown to include two wonderful grandsons, bringing even more joy to their lives.
In 1993, Melissa and Damon earned their real estate licenses and built a successful career as top-producing agents for General Realty. In 2005, they expanded their entrepreneurial pursuits by opening a Port of Subs franchise in Henderson, operating it for 15 years with distinction, earning awards for exceptional customer service and sales productivity.
Since first being elected to the Nevada Assembly in 2018, Melissa has established herself as a tireless advocate and fearless champion for issues critical to her constituents, including healthcare access, quality education, public safety, and economic opportunity. Her leadership has been recognized through her service on key committees, including Commerce and Labor, Education, and Judiciary, across four regular and five special legislative sessions.
Melissa’s steadfast commitment to hard work, integrity, and community service continues to make her a trusted voice for Henderson and all Nevadans as she works to ensure a brighter future for the Silver State.
Melissa@Hardy4Nevada.com | 702-329-7936
Dr. Gregory Koenig
Deputy Minority Leader - North
Dr. Gregory Scott Koenig has lived in Nevada most of his life. He is a fourth generation Nevadan, with children and grandchildren continuing the legacy in this great state by making Nevada their home. He was born out of state while his dad was fighting in Vietnam, but returned at the age of five. He completed his K-12 schooling in Fallon and did some of his undergraduate work at UNR. He attended Pacific University College of Optometry near Portland, and returned to Fallon to start his own practice upon graduation. Dr. Koenig now has practices in Fallon, Fernley, and Yerington. He and his wife Terra have been married for over 30 years. They have 3 children, Kennedy, Baylee and Davis as well as 5 grandchildren.
Dr. Koenig has significant experience in local government. He served 12 years on the Churchill County School Board, with half of that time as board president. He was also president of the Nevada Association of School Boards, and sat on the NIAA board which oversees high school athletics for the entire state. Currently, Dr. Koenig is a Churchill County Commissioner.
He is active in his church and enjoys his early morning basketball games, golf (don’t ask him his handicap), painting, traveling, and making memories with his family.
Toby Yurek
Minority WHIP
Thaddeus "Toby" Yurek III moved to Henderson in 1988 and has considered Nevada his home ever since. After graduating from Valley High School in 1991, he intended to join the ministry and earned a bachelor's degree in Church Growth with an emphasis in Preaching from Hope International University. However, feeling called to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Toby joined the Henderson Police Department in 1995 as a Police Officer. Over the course of his twenty-year career, he was promoted to Lieutenant and served in a variety of roles: Community Policing, Criminalistics, Honor Guard, Bike Patrol, Off-Road Patrol, and, his favorite, commander of the Tactical Response Bureau overseeing SWAT and K-9.
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Toby and his family are active members of the Church at Lake Mead. His wife, Carrie, is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. Their oldest son, TJ, is in his second year at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, pursuing a dual Juris Doctorate/Master of Business Administration degree program. Twin sons Tyler and Trey are in their final year at Biola University and anticipate a Spring 2024 graduation.
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Toby was honored to be elected in 2022 as the Assemblyman representing District 19 and has worked hard to promote and protect the interests and needs of our community during the 2023 legislative session. Toby's commitment to his faith, his family, and his community is evident to all who know him. His experience, leadership, and integrity have equipped him to serve his fellow citizens of Southern Nevada, and he considers it a privilege to be re-elected and given another opportunity to represent District 19.
