Paul Laxalt

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Paul Laxalt (August 2, 1922 – August 6, 2018) was an American attorney and politician who served as the Governor of Nevada from 1967 to 1971 and as a United States Senator from Nevada from 1974 to 1987. He was a member of the Republican Party and was known for his close relationship with President Ronald Reagan.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Paul Dominique Laxalt was born in Reno, Nevada, to Basque immigrant parents. He attended public schools in Carson City and later graduated from Santa Clara University. He served in the United States Army during World War II and subsequently attended the University of Denver College of Law, where he earned his law degree.

Political Career[edit | edit source]

Governor of Nevada[edit | edit source]

Laxalt was elected as the Governor of Nevada in 1966, serving from 1967 to 1971. During his tenure, he focused on modernizing the state's government and improving its infrastructure. He was instrumental in the development of Nevada's tourism industry, particularly in Las Vegas.

United States Senator[edit | edit source]

In 1974, Laxalt was elected to the United States Senate, where he served until 1987. He was a key ally of President Ronald Reagan, often referred to as "The First Friend" due to their close relationship. Laxalt played a significant role in Reagan's presidential campaigns and was a prominent figure in the Republican Party during the 1980s.

Later Life and Legacy[edit | edit source]

After retiring from the Senate, Laxalt remained active in politics and public life. He founded a law firm and continued to be involved in various political and business ventures. He passed away on August 6, 2018, at the age of 96.

Laxalt's legacy includes his contributions to the development of Nevada and his influence on national politics through his close association with President Reagan. His political career is remembered for his efforts to modernize Nevada and his role in shaping the Republican Party during a transformative period in American history.