You’ve probably seen the names. Every couple of years, the ballot in Las Vegas looks like a grocery receipt from a family of twelve. It’s long. It’s intimidating. Dozens and dozens of names under the header of "District Court Judge" or "Justice of the Peace."
Most people just guess. Honestly, they do. They pick the name that sounds familiar or the one with the best-looking sign on the 215. But clark county nevada judges hold more power over your daily life than almost any other elected official. They decide who keeps their house, who gets custody of the kids, and who goes to prison.
It's a heavy gig.
And 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for the bench. Since Nevada uses nonpartisan elections, these judges don't have a (D) or an (R) next to their names to help you out. You actually have to know who they are.
The Massive Scale of the Eighth Judicial District
The Eighth Judicial District Court is a beast. It’s the largest court system in Nevada. We're talking about a jurisdiction that handles everything for Clark County—from the bright lights of the Strip to the quiet corners of Mesquite.
Right now, the court is led by Chief Judge Jerry A. Wiese II. He’s been on the bench since 2011 and was elected by his peers to run the show. Being Chief Judge isn't just about wearing the robe; it’s a massive administrative headache. You’re managing dozens of departments and making sure the "Regional Justice Center" doesn't crumble under the weight of its own docket.
The court is split into two main worlds:
- Civil and Criminal: These judges handle the big stuff. Think murders, high-stakes lawsuits, and corporate battles.
- Family Division: This is where the heart-wrenching stuff happens. Divorces, adoptions, and child custody battles.
The scale is kind of hard to wrap your head around. In the 2026 election cycle, a huge chunk of these seats are up for grabs. Names like Danielle K. Pieper (Dept. 7), Maria Gall (Dept. 9), and Anna Albertson (Dept. 11) are all on the list of judges whose terms are hitting that 2026 expiration date.
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Why the 2026 Election is Different
Usually, judicial elections are sleepy affairs. Not this time. Because so many judges were appointed or elected to unexpired terms recently, the 2026 ballot is going to be packed.
Take Judge Adam Ganz or Alexandra Beth McLeod, who are both filing for seats in the District Court. The filing period just closed in mid-January 2026, and the list of candidates is staggering. If you live in Clark County, you’re going to be asked to vote on departments you didn't even know existed.
There's a weird quirk in Nevada law. If only one person files for a seat, they basically win by default. They still appear on the primary ballot, but they only need one single vote to secure the win. If no one else runs against them, they skip the general election entirely.
But for the contested seats? That's where the money starts flowing.
Judges aren't supposed to be political. They can't tell you how they’ll rule on a specific issue. They can’t promise to "get tough on crime" in a way that suggests they’ve already made up their mind. This makes it incredibly hard for the average voter to tell the difference between Candidate A and Candidate B.
The "Specialty Courts" You Never Hear About
Beyond the standard "guilty or not guilty" drama, Clark County has developed a massive network of specialty courts. These are arguably the most successful part of the local judiciary, even if they don't make the front page often.
Chief Judge Melisa De La Garza of the Las Vegas Justice Court has been a huge proponent of the Community Court Program. In fact, as of January 2026, the court is celebrating a fresh round of graduates from these programs.
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What's the point of these? Basically, they recognize that throwing everyone in jail doesn't work.
- Veteran’s Court: Specifically for those who served and are struggling with PTSD or substance abuse.
- Mental Health Court: For chronic offenders whose "crimes" are often just symptoms of untreated illness.
- WIN Court: A program that focuses on trauma and co-occurring disorders.
These courts are overseen by judges like De La Garza and others who take on these extra dockets because they want to break the cycle of recidivism. It's hands-on work. It’s not just sitting on a high bench; it’s meeting with participants every week to see if they’re staying clean.
How a Judge Actually Gets the Job
In Clark County, there are two ways to get that black robe.
1. The Election Path
Most judges are elected to six-year terms. To even apply, you have to be at least 25 years old and a qualified elector. For the District Court, you need to have been a licensed attorney for at least 10 years (with at least two of those years in Nevada).
2. The Appointment Path
If a judge retires early or—heaven forbid—something happens to them mid-term, the Governor doesn't just pick a buddy. The Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection screens applicants and sends three names to the Governor. The Governor picks one, and that person serves until the next general election.
This is why you see so many "unexpired terms" on the ballot. If a judge was appointed in 2024, they have to run in 2026 to keep their seat for the remainder of the term. It keeps the power in the hands of the voters, even if the voters feel like they’re flying blind.
The Reality of Judicial "Performance"
How do you actually know if a judge is doing a good job?
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The Las Vegas Review-Journal usually runs a "Judging the Judges" survey where local attorneys rate the bench. It’s controversial. Some judges hate it, calling it a popularity contest. Others take the feedback to heart.
Attorneys rate them on things like:
- Legal Ability: Do they actually know the law?
- Temperament: Are they a jerk on the bench?
- Integrity: Are they fair to both sides?
If you see a judge with a 30% "retention" score from the people who actually work in their courtroom every day, that’s a massive red flag.
Actionable Steps for Clark County Voters
Don't wait until you're in the voting booth to realize you don't know who Department 22 is.
- Check the Candidate List: Visit the Nevada Secretary of State website or the Clark County Elections Department. Look at who actually filed for 2026.
- Look for the Bar Surveys: Search for the most recent judicial performance evaluations. If the lawyers who argue in front of a judge think they’re incompetent, you should probably know that.
- Watch the "Specialty" News: See which judges are involved in programs like Drug Court or Mental Health Court. It tells you a lot about their judicial philosophy.
- Verify Experience: Did they spend 20 years as a prosecutor? Were they a public defender? A corporate lawyer? Their background heavily influences how they see the world.
The clark county nevada judges we elect this year will be on the bench until 2032. That is a long time to live with a bad decision. Take five minutes to look past the yard signs and see who's actually under the robe.
To stay informed, you can monitor the Eighth Judicial District Court website for "Administrative Orders." These documents show how the court is changing its rules and which judges are taking on new responsibilities.