Horsford was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. He graduated from Clark High School and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Nevada, Reno. Before he was elected to Congress, Horsford was the executive director of the Culinary Training Academy of Las Vegas. Horsford was also a member of the Nevada State Senate from 2004 to 2012, and was Majority Leader from 2009 to 2012.
