News Summary
Las Vegas has appointed Kara Kelley as the interim councilwoman for Ward 2, filling the vacancy left by former Councilwoman Victoria Seaman. Following a city council meeting, Kelley will serve until the next election in June 2026. The decision was made to avoid the high costs of a special election, and Kelley brings extensive leadership experience, having previously served as CEO of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. She has committed to serving the community without pursuing a permanent position in the upcoming election.
Las Vegas has appointed Kara Kelley as the interim replacement for former Councilwoman Victoria Seaman, who resigned to take a role with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The decision was made during a meeting of the Las Vegas City Council on September 17, 2025, and Kelley will represent Ward 2 until the upcoming election in June 2026.
A special meeting is scheduled for September 30, where Kelley will take the oath of office. In her statement, Kelley expressed gratitude to the council for their support and reaffirmed her commitment to serving the residents of Ward 2, which comprises approximately 127,000 people in southwest Las Vegas.
The council’s decision to appoint Kelley as interim councilwoman was a strategic move to avoid the cost of a special election, which was estimated to be around $467,000. The council reviewed a total of 57 applications for the position, narrowing it down to three finalists. Kelley was selected from a pool of 40 candidates who met the residency requirements after 17 applications were removed from consideration.
A motion to appoint another candidate, Serena Kasama, was voted down with a 2-4 decision, leading to Kelley’s unanimous selection by the council members present.
Kara Kelley is well-qualified for her new position, bringing nearly 30 years of leadership experience to the role. She previously served as the CEO of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce from 1995 to 2010 and currently holds the position of vice chair of the Colorado River Commission of Nevada. In addition, she is the founder and CEO of The Kelley Co. LLC, a consulting firm specializing in various business and policy matters.
With degrees in political science and communications from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Kelley has a strong educational foundation to complement her extensive professional background. Councilwoman Nancy Brune noted that Kelley is a “lifelong” nonpartisan who is committed to approaching her role full-time.
In accepting the interim position, Kelley emphasized that her motivation is rooted in service rather than ambition. She has resided in Ward 2 for 23 years, making her connection to the community integral to her approach as interim councilwoman. Kelley has also pledged not to run for the position in the June 2026 election, underscoring her commitment to serve as a caretaker during her term.
The city indicates that the next council member could potentially be elected as soon as June 2026, provided they secure a majority in the primary election. If no candidate earns over 50% of the primary vote, the top two candidates will proceed to a November runoff to determine the winner.
The annual salary for the council position is nearly $110,000, reflecting the significant responsibilities involved in representing the constituents of Ward 2.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Las Vegas Council Seeks Interim Replacement for Councilwoman
Additional Resources
- Review Journal: Las Vegas City Council Picks Seamans Interim Replacement
- Las Vegas Sun: City Council Picks Ex-Vegas Chamber CEO
- Nevada Current: Las Vegas City Council to Fill Ward 2 Vacancy
- KTNV: City Council Opts for Appointment to Victoria Seamans’ Vacant Seat
- Google Search: Las Vegas City Council
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LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
