Two Republicans, One Race, and a Real Debate About Crime
Northern Nevada doesn't often see heated Republican primaries in local prosecutor races. But 2026 is different. For the first time in his career, Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks has a challenger — and it's a fellow Republican with a war chest, union muscle, and a sharp message about crime.
Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan announced his run in June 2025, saying he is “law enforcement's choice” in the race. That's not just a slogan. Duncan has unanimous endorsements from every major law enforcement union in the region :
- Reno Police Protective Association,
- Sparks Police Protective Association,
- Washoe County Sheriff's Deputies Association,
- and the Nevada Police Union, among others.
That's a lot of law enforcement saying it's time for a change.
The Case Against Hicks
Duncan's argument is straightforward. He says Washoe County's crime trends are moving in the wrong direction, and that Hicks:
“seems unwilling or unable to tackle the challenges our community faces while ignoring the concerns of law enforcement.”
Duncan points to FBI data showing Washoe County's violent crime rate at roughly 499 per 100,000 residents in 2023 — well above the national average of 364 — and higher than the national average every year since Hicks took office in 2015.
For conservatives who believe the first job of government is keeping people safe, those numbers matter. Public safety is one thing most limited-government folks actually want government to do — and do well. When prosecutors decline to file charges or let cases fall through the cracks, that's the government failing at its core mission.
Duncan also says rank-and-file officers have raised concerns about communication and charging decisions for over a year, only to be ignored.
Hicks Pushes Back
Hicks isn't backing down. He points to Nevada Crime Statistics showing burglary is down 25% since 2021, and robbery is down 24% since 2022, both continuing to trend lower into 2025.
“The facts are clear — our community is safer,” he said.
Hicks also raises a fairness concern that conservatives should think about carefully.
“There are serious ethical concerns when unions representing officers campaign for or contribute to a District Attorney candidate,” he said.
“The DA must remain independent and objective when evaluating law enforcement conduct.”
That's a real point. A DA who owes his job to police unions may face pressure when it comes time to review an officer-involved shooting or misconduct case.
Hicks, for his part, says being DA:
“is not about politics, notoriety, or climbing a political ladder — it's about family, commitment, and community.”
Governor Lombardo Weighs In
This race has drawn statewide attention. Governor Joe Lombardo has endorsed Hicks, saying he has been:
“a strong leader for Washoe County as District Attorney, standing up for victims, working with law enforcement, and holding criminals accountable.”
Proud to endorse Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks for re-election!
Read my full statement below: pic.twitter.com/XseNlTwaOJ
— Joe Lombardo (@JoeLombardoNV) March 16, 2026
That's meaningful. Lombardo has made public safety a centerpiece of his governorship. His backing gives Hicks a credibility boost on the very issue Duncan is attacking him on.
The Money and the Party Split
Duncan entered 2026 with roughly $639,000 cash on hand, compared to Hicks' $368,700. Money alone doesn't win races, but it buys TV ads, mailers, and digital reach. Duncan has kept the pressure on with email blasts and digital ads criticizing Hicks' record — a steady drip that was already noticeable by March.
The Washoe County Republican Party central committee declined to endorse Hicks and instead backed Duncan. No detailed explanation was released publicly, but the snub signals that at least some party insiders think change is overdue.
Why This Race Matters
This isn't just a local squabble. Hicks has never faced a challenger in his political career until now. The fact that a well-funded, union-backed Republican is running a serious campaign against a sitting DA endorsed by the governor tells you something about the mood of conservative voters in Northern Nevada.
What You Can Do
The June 2026 primary is the whole ballgame here. No Democrat filed, so whoever wins the Republican primary becomes Washoe County's next DA. If you live in the Reno-Sparks area, pay attention to this race. Attend a candidate forum. Look at the crime data yourself. Ask both candidates hard questions.
This is exactly the kind of local race where an informed, engaged conservative voter can make a real difference.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
