Michael MacDougall

Michael MacDougall earned a high school diploma from the Advanced Technologies Academy. He earned a bachelor's degree from Allegheny College in 2017, a graduate degree from the University of Iowa in 2021, and a graduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2023. His career experience includes working as a high school teacher.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’ve called Nevada home since 1998 and built my life around public service, education, and community engagement. I graduated from Advanced Technologies Academy in Las Vegas, earned my undergraduate degree from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, and went on to complete two master’s degrees before returning home to teach high school social studies at the Adelson School. My work at the Mob Museum and in the classroom strengthened my belief in storytelling, civic participation, and investing in the next generation. As a young educator running for office, I commit to lead by example, strengthen community pride, and ensure every Nevadan feels seen, empowered, and excited to shape our state’s future. In my free time, I enjoy Golden Knights games, building LEGO sets, exploring Nevada’s outdoor spaces, and spending time with my spouse Diana and our dog Duncan.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The Controller’s main job is to track every dollar going in and out of state bank accounts and report it each year. This includes money from the federal government, money the state collects in taxes, and money spent in our communities. Unfortunately, Nevada has fallen behind. The current Republican Controller has failed in his duty to ensure this annual report is up to date in alignment with policy and law. On day one as your controller, I will work to bring us into full compliance. Making our annual reports current will allow us to take a clear look at our state’s finances, accurately address problems and have better information on how to enact solutions.The Controller serves on the State Board of Transportation, led by the Governor. This board sets transportation policy across Nevada. As Controller, I will use this role to improve access to public transportation in every county. I will push for transit that gets more Nevadans to work, healthcare, and school safely and on time.The Controller also acts as a watchdog over uncollected tax revenue owed to the State of Nevada. In addition to reporting on numbers the Controller has certain authority to go after that money. Currently Nevada has over $900 million dollars in uncollected tax revenues. As Controller I will work on bringing that number down by taking a critical look at where that money will come from, who owes the money, how much of it is recoverable and when, and how to encourage early pay. Every dollar recovered this way is a dollar back into our state funding infrastructure, schools, healthcare, and community necessities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe in creating fiscal transparency so that Nevadans believe their government works for them. Regardless of how the money is spect or collected, it is imperative that every dollar is accounted for. Trust in government stems from trust in the money being used effectively and efficiently. When Nevadans see where their money goes, they can know whether or not their government is working for them and their best interests. The Controller ensures that the playing field is level so our state’s finances are kept in the best shape possible, with our residents in mind.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Nevada Teamsters, NAPSO, SNBTU, Nevada AFL-CIO, SMART Local 88, SEIU Local 1107