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Clark County District Court Judge Eighth Judicial District Department 26

District Court Judges preside over major civil and criminal cases, including felony prosecutions, large civil disputes, family law matters, and constitutional challenges. These judges interpret and apply Nevada law, make decisions about sentencing, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and ensure that court proceedings follow due process. Because District Court judges shape how laws are enforced and how individual rights are protected, their decisions directly affect public safety, civil liberties, and access to justice. Although judicial races often receive less attention than other offices, these positions play a critical role in upholding the rule of law, ensuring fairness in the legal system, and maintaining public confidence in an independent judiciary.Note: This is a nonpartisan race. The designation only applies to the office, and does not reflect the political affiliations of the candidates.

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    Jessica Goodey
    (NON)

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    Daniel Mink Hooge
    (NON)

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    Pete Thunell
    (NON)

Biographical Information

What experience or qualifications best prepare you to serve in this judicial role?

How do you approach interpreting and applying the law when deciding cases?

How would you ensure fairness, impartiality, and public confidence in the courtroom?

Campaign Phone Number 702-482-7334
Endorsements The Fair and Qualified Coalition, Asian American Group, Publican Safety Alliance of Nevada, Las Vegas Police Protective Association, Sheriff Kevin McMahill, Independent Black Voters, Veterans in Politics, Armed Forces Chamber of Commerce, Professional Firefighters of Nevada, Nevada Veteran's Association
I have had the honor of serving as a Justice of the Peace for the last 3 years, where I have been able to improve the process for the parties and the court. Prior to taking the bench, I practiced almost exclusively in complex civil cases in District Court. Throughout my 12 years in private practice, I worked to gain experience in as many areas of law as possible, and nine of those years were as a small business owner. I had the honor of counseling my clients through some of the worst times of their lives, trying to ensure that they are not victimized by a sometimes cruel and unfair judicial system. I have extensive trial experience, both as a judge and an attorney. My career has been dedicated to mastering the civil law rules and cases.
Interpreting and applying the law always starts with the plain language of the statute. What does it actually say? If I can give effect to its plain meaning, then that is the end of the analysis. If, however, the statute is ambiguous, then I look to the legislative intent, reviewing the minutes of the legislature when the law was enacted, including what language was added or removed. I also look to the overall statutory scheme so that the statutes can be read as a whole and avoid rendering other statutes meaningless and avoid absurd results. It is not my job to create new law. It is to apply the law to the facts of the case.
My guiding principles on the beach are, and will continue to be, to treat everyone who comes before me with kindness, dignity, and respect and to follow the model set forth by Socrates: to listen courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially. It is my job as a judge to listen to the facts and evidence and apply the law without bias or prejudice, and that is what I strive to do every day.
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