Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske Sworn In for New Las Vegas City Council Ward 4 Term

Francis Allen-Palenske begins another term representing Ward 4 after the city said she ran unopposed and was declared elected under Nevada municipal election law.

LAS VEGAS — Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske was sworn in Wednesday to continue representing Ward 4 on the Las Vegas City Council, beginning another term after running unopposed in the 2026 municipal election cycle.

The City of Las Vegas elections page lists Allen-Palenske as the Ward 4 candidate who was declared elected because she ran unopposed. The city said no election would be held for the Ward 4 seat under Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 293C, the section of state law governing city elections.

Under NRS 293C.180, if only one candidate has filed for nomination for an office by the filing deadline, that candidate may be declared elected and no election is held for that office. The city’s election page specifically applies that provision to Allen-Palenske’s Ward 4 seat.

Allen-Palenske continues Ward 4 representation

Allen-Palenske was first elected to the Las Vegas City Council in the November 2022 election, according to the city’s official Ward 4 biography page. The city describes her as a lifelong Nevadan, a small business owner and a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, where she studied political science and business.

Her city biography says she has focused on public safety, fiscal responsibility, neighborhood outreach and community building since joining the council. The biography also lists her current service on the Las Vegas Audit Oversight Committee, the Local Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, the Metropolitan Police Committee on Fiscal Affairs and the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition.

The Mayor & City Council page states that Las Vegas City Council members are elected to four-year terms and are limited to a total of three terms on the City Council.

Background in state and local public service

Before serving on the Las Vegas City Council, Allen-Palenske served in the Nevada Assembly during the 2004-2005 session and one special session, according to the city. The city’s biography says she was the first Asian-American woman elected to the Nevada Legislature and was honored by the Peace Officers Research Association of Nevada with its Outstanding Assemblywoman Award.

Allen-Palenske’s public biography also highlights her work on public safety and senior protection, including the Senior Safety and Security Initiative, the Northwest Metro Substation, the Red Rocks Communication Center and efforts connected to the Nevada State Veterans Memorial at Thunderbird Family Sports Complex.

The city previously noted, when Allen-Palenske was first sworn into office in December 2022, that Ward 4 included some western areas of the city and portions of Summerlin. Current Ward 4 resources, maps and updates are available through the city’s official Ward 4 page.

City Council term begins after uncontested race

The Ward 4 seat was part of the city’s 2026 municipal election cycle, along with Ward 2, Ward 6 and two municipal judge seats, according to the city elections page. The filing period for City Council seats in Wards 2, 4 and 6 ran from March 2 through March 13, 2026.

Because Allen-Palenske was the only Ward 4 candidate listed by the city, she was declared elected without a Ward 4 election. Her new term keeps her on the council alongside Mayor Shelley Berkley and council members representing Wards 1 through 6.

With the oath of office completed, Allen-Palenske returns to the City Council chamber with a portfolio that includes public safety oversight, regional planning, neighborhood services and constituent outreach in Ward 4.