ELKO — Judicial filings closed on Friday with an incumbent and newcomer on their way to six-year terms as Elko and Carlin justices of the peace.
Incumbent Justice of the Peace and Elko Municipal Township Judge Randall Soderquist and social service manager Brandy Holbrook did not receive any challengers by 5 p.m. Friday at the Elko County Clerk’s office, the final day of statewide judicial filings, and will run unopposed for their respective benches.
This will be the first six-year term for Soderquist since his appointment to replace former Justice of the Peace Mason Simons in 2021. He also ran unopposed to fulfill the last two years of Simons’ unexpired term.
It will also be Holbrook’s first term on the bench as Carlin’s Justice of the Peace. She will replace outgoing Justice of the Peace Dee Burton-Primaux, who did not seek reelection after being elected to the final two years of Senior Judge Teri Feasel’s unexpired term.
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In two other Elko County courts, three candidates filed to run against incumbent judges Kenneth Calton for Wells and Kenneth R. Quirk for Eastline Justice Court in West Wendover.
Wells Justice Court race
Noah J. Swett filed to challenge Calton in Wells. In his candidate statement, he explained he is “a citizen just like you,” and has “an interest in serving my community and country using common sense and fair application of justice in accordance with the Constitution.”
He also stated he had previously run for Wells Justice of the Peace and for the Wells City Council.
Attorney Arron Bushur filed on Friday, becoming Calton’s second challenger. He cited his 16 years of legal experience in Nevada’s court system at all levels from the Nevada Supreme Court and Nevada Court of Appeals to local jurisdiction courts, tribal courts and federal district and bankruptcy courts.
“I believe I have the education, experience, knowledge and desire for this position,” Bushur wrote in his candidate statement. “I believe that a seasoned attorney who understands Nevada law and procedure, as well as the inner workings of the legal system
Bushur ran twice for Second Judicial District Court judge in Washoe County in 2018 and 2020.
Eastline Justice Court race
Raeanne Hartsell has served as a bailiff in Eastline Court for about a year. She was also an officer with the West Wendover Police Department and deputy coroner for three years before becoming bailiff.
Explaining her reasons for running, she pointed to her family and two-decade career in law enforcement. “I will bring qualities of professionalism, fairness and compassion to the judicial bench.”
“I am committed to ensuring public safety through both traditional and innovative approaches for a safe and healthy community,” Hartsell continued. “I believe I have a positive reputation as a law enforcement officer and I am confident I have the knowledge and heart to be an effective fair judge.”
Hartsell will face incumbent Justice of the Peace Kenneth R. Quirk.
Non-judicial filings due in March
The two-week filing window for non-judicial candidates running for local and state office opens March 4 and ends at 5 p.m. March 15.
Republican Assemblyman Bert Gurr, representing District 33, declared he would run for a second two-year term in the Legislature.
He will be challenged by Democratic candidate John “Doc” Garrard, who declared his run for office in November. He ran against Gurr in 2022.
Former Assemblyman John Ellison confirmed he is running for outgoing State Sen. Pete Goicoechea’s seat in District 19 on Tuesday.
Goicoechea is termed out after serving 12 years, concluding a 22-year career in the Legislature, serving in the upper and lower chambers.
On the Elko City Council, two seats are up for election, those held by Councilman Clair Morris and Councilwoman Mandy Simons.
Simons is termed out after serving 12 years on the City Council.
Elko County Commissioners Wilde Brough for District 1; Jon Karr, District 3; and Rex Steninger, District 5, have seats for up for reelection.
The Elko County School District Board of Trustees has three seats for reelection: Matt McCarty for District 3; Teresa Dastrup for District 4; and Adriana Lara for District 5.
Two seats are up for election for the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority Board. Seat A held by David Zornes and Seat C held by appointee Patricia Anderson.
Elko TV Board Seats D and E, held by Steven Guitar and Kent LeBarts, respectively, are also up for reelection.