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 race, and does not reflect the political affiliations of the candidates.
Campaign Phone Number
7027203993
Endorsements
Public Safety Alliance of Nevada, The Third Branch Nonpartisan Political Action Committee, District Attorney Steve Wolfson, Retired Judge Donald Mosley, Clark County Prosecutors Association, Clark County Marshals Association, Veterans in Politics International, Nevada Veterans Association, Armed Forces Chamber, Nevada Police Union, Las Vegas Police Managers and Supervisors Association, Las Vegas Police Protective Association, Las Vegas Peace Officer Supervisors Association, Police Officers Association of Clark County School District, Las Vegas Peace Officers Association, Peace Officer Research Association of Nevada, Sparks Police Protective Association, Reno Police Protective Association, Carson City Sheriff's Supervisory Association, Washoe County Sheriff Deputies Association, Washoe County School Police Officers' Association, Douglas County Sheriff's Protective Association, Henderson Police Supervisors Association, Clark County District Attorney Investigators Association, Southern Nevada Building Trades Union, Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 872
Campaign Endorsements
Public Safety Alliance of Nevada, The Third Branch Nonpartisan Political Action Committee, District Attorney Steve Wolfson, Retired Judge Donald Mosley, Clark County Prosecutors Association, Clark County Marshals Association, Veterans in Politics International, Nevada Veterans Association, Armed Forces Chamber, Nevada Police Union, Las Vegas Police Managers and Supervisors Association, Las Vegas Police Protective Association, Las Vegas Peace Officer Supervisors Association, Police Officers Association of Clark County School District, Las Vegas Peace Officers Association, Peace Officer Research Association of Nevada, Sparks Police Protective Association, Reno Police Protective Association, Carson City Sheriff's Supervisory Association, Washoe County Sheriff Deputies Association, Washoe County School Police Officers' Association, Douglas County Sheriff's Protective Association, Henderson Police Supervisors Association, Clark County District Attorney Investigators Association, Southern N
I spent the first four years of my legal career working for two District Court judges (and several senior judges) as a judicial law clerk. That time served as a sort of judicial apprenticeship where I learned how to be a fair, effective, and competent trial court judge. Prior to that, in law school, I was Chief Managing Editor of the Law Review where I led a team of editors in reviewing scholarly legal articles for publication. I was a successful hotel and restaurant manager prior to my law career, and have been a successful trial attorney since. My dad always used to say "if you have to ask yourself if it's good enough, it isn't." That idea motivates me to give the most effort I can to make sure I'm always satisfied with my results.
I would practice judicial restraint when intepreting law; the bench is no place for judicial activism. Regardless of how I feel about any particular law, a judge's role is not to only apply the laws they like. It requires the humility to remove yourself from the issue and focus on the parties and the plain meaning of the law. I have substantial experience putting myself in that position and would give the fullest extent of my effort to be consistent and clear for the benefit of those in my courtroom.
Unlike most attorneys, my first several years were spent learning how the law works behind the bench rather than in front of it. That experience molded me to be fair first, and to see the law from every side of the issues at hand. I would have no issue removing the advocacy hat and sitting as a neutral judge. Regarding public confidence, one of the primary reasons I am running is to restore public confidence in the bench. My opponent has been proudly vocal about her decision to violate the First Amendment in pursuit of her own goals; an attack on any of our rights is an attack on all of them. Our courts are designed to be the last line of defense against the erosion of our rights. We cannot permit this purposeful erosion of our system.
Campaign Phone Number
702-274-2208
Endorsements
FAQ Nevada (A Coalition of 19 Law Firms for a Fair and Qualified Nevada Judiciary); Southern Nevada Building Trades Union; National Association of Public Safety Officers; Professional Firefighters of Nevada; International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees; Nevada Property Rights Alliance; Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada Action Fund; Ironworkers Local 433; National Organization of Women; Asian American Group; Nevada State AFL-CIO; Nevada Veterans Caucus; Nevada Veteran's Council; Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons; Hispanics in Politics; Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 13; Teamsters; Culinary Workers Union; Sheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation; Independent Black Voters; Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Technicians Local 525.
Campaign Endorsements
FAQ Nevada (A Coalition of 19 Law Firms for a Fair and Qualified Nevada Judiciary); Southern Nevada Building Trades Union; National Association of Public Safety Officers; Professional Firefighters of Nevada; International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees; Nevada Property Rights Alliance; Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada Action Fund; Ironworkers Local 433; National Organization of Women; Asian American Group; Nevada State AFL-CIO; Nevada Veterans Caucus; Nevada Veteran's Council; Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons; Hispanics in Politics; Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 13; Teamsters; Culinary Workers Union; Sheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation; Independent Black Voters; Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Technicians Local 525.
20 years of litigation experience representing plaintiffs and defendants - individuals and businesses in all areas of the law gave me a deep understanding of the legal system. Moreover, having been on both sides of the "v" assists in my ability to approach cases with complete neutrality treating everyone with fairness and objectivity. I also served as an Arbitrator for four years prior to taking the Bench, which taught me how to manage hearings, adjudicate a case and write timely, well reasoned decisions. I have been on the Bench now for over 5 years and have effectively presided over thousands of hearings and 27 jury trials. This knowledge and experience translates into my ability to maintain a fair and compassionate courtroom.
I start with identifying the legal issue and then determining which laws properly govern the case. I then review the statutes and rules applicable to the case and look at the plain language of the text and rely on the common dictionary definition of the words contained in the text. Where the language is ambiguous, I review the legislative history to attempt to ascertain the intent of the Legislature. I then examine and review binding precedent that has analyzed and applied the statute to factually similar cases. On issues of first impression, I review case law from other jurisdictions, if their statutes are similar to our statutes, to see if their higher courts have ruled on factually similar issues.
I will perform my job diligently. I will always be prepared and informed. I will show up on time. I will manage my courtroom taking the matters that will be short in duration first so as to
respect everyone's time. I will always thoroughly explain my decisions so that litigants and attorneys understand them. I will ensure that I apply the law equally to all parties regardless of if they are represented by counsel or appearing in pro per and regardless of race, age, gender or socio-economic status.
