Sue Ellen Wagner, a trailblazing American politician and the first woman to be elected Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Reno at the age of 86. Wagner dedicated decades of her life to public service, leaving an indelible mark on Nevada's political landscape through her moderate Republican stance and her unwavering advocacy for women's rights and ethical governance.

Born Sue Ellen Pooler on January 6, 1940, in Portland, Maine, Wagner's early life saw her family relocate to Tucson, Arizona, when she was ten. Her father, a pharmacist, was actively involved in Maine's Republican politics, instilling in her an early appreciation for civic engagement. She pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1962 and a master's degree in history from Northwestern University in 1963.

Wagner began her professional career as an assistant dean of women at Ohio State University before marrying Peter B. Wagner, an atmospheric physicist, and moving back to Arizona. The couple, along with their two children, eventually settled in Reno, Nevada, in 1969. It was in Nevada that Wagner truly embarked on her distinguished political journey.

Her political career in Nevada began with her election to the State Assembly in 1975, where she served until 1980. She then successfully ran for the Nevada State Senate, serving from 1981 to 1989. During her time in the Senate, she chaired the Judiciary Committee for two legislative sessions, a significant role through which many gambling-related bills passed.

Tragedy struck Wagner's personal life in 1980 when her husband, Peter, died in a plane crash along with three other Desert Research Institute scientists. Despite this profound loss, Wagner continued her commitment to public service. In 1990, while campaigning for Lieutenant Governor, she was involved in another serious plane crash that left her with debilitating injuries, including a broken neck and back.

Remarkably, despite her severe injuries and needing to wear a neck brace, Wagner triumphed in the general election, becoming the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Nevada and the first woman to hold the position. She served from 1991 to 1995, advocating for environmental protections, children's health, and the creation of the Nevada Commission on Ethics. She was also instrumental in a 1990 referendum that codified abortion rights in state law.

Although her injuries from the plane crash effectively ended her pursuit of further elected office, Wagner remained active in public life. She was appointed to the Nevada Gaming Commission in 1997 by Governor Bob Miller, serving with distinction for 12 years until her retirement in 2009. Her continued participation in civic life also included becoming a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, and overseeing the Legislature's internship program.

In 2014, Wagner made headlines again when she left the Republican Party, registering as a nonpartisan voter, citing her disillusionment with the party's shift towards the Tea Party movement. Throughout her life, Sue Wagner was a spirited advocate for women's representation and a respected figure who could work across partisan lines, leaving a lasting legacy of dedicated public service and principled leadership in Nevada.