Former Henderson Mayor James Gibson will assume the Clark County Commission seat being vacated by Mary Beth Scow, who resigned suddenly last month.

Gov. Brian Sandoval announced Friday afternoon that he appointed Gibson to represent District G, which covers portions of eastern Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City. His decision coincided with Scow’s last day as a commissioner.

“James Gibson has always served as a strong leader for southern Nevada and I am confident he will be an effective member of the Clark County Commission,” Sandoval said in a statement. “He has experience in Nevada’s core industries including tourism and hospitality and led the City of Henderson through a time of unprecedented growth. He spearheaded Henderson’s redevelopment efforts and his vision helped transform the region.”

Gibson’s name immediately surfaced as a possible replacement for Scow, a Democrat, when she announced her resignation to spend more time with family. A Southern Nevada native, he served three terms as Henderson’s mayor starting in 1997. He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2006, losing in a primary to eventual Democratic nominee Dina Titus.

Gibson, a practicing attorney, attended Brigham Young University and the California Western School of Law.

Sandoval had to appoint a Democrat who resides in District G as Scow’s replacement for the duration of her term. The commission seat will be up for election in 2018.

Feature photo: Clark County Government Center is seen on Thursday, April 27, 2017. Photo by Jeff Scheid.