Sometimes the biggest fights happen inside the same party.
That’s exactly what’s happening now in Washoe County, where Republican District Attorney Chris Hicks is facing a serious challenger for the first time in years from fellow Republican Wes Duncan.
And this race is already turning into one of the nastiest contests in Nevada politics.
Because both men are Republicans and the only candidates in the race, the June primary is effectively the final election. Winner takes all.
That means voters aren’t just picking a person. They’re choosing what kind of justice system they want.
Crime Is the Real Issue
At the center of this race is a simple question: Is Washoe County getting safer?
Duncan says no. He argues Hicks’ charging and plea bargain policies have weakened public safety.
In late 2022, Hicks changed office policy so prosecutors would only file charges they believed they could prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defendants are also expected to plead guilty to the most serious charge or go to trial.
That sounds tough on paper.
But critics say it has clogged the courts, increased trials, and led to more suspects walking away without charges.
In the three years after the policy took effect, decisions not to pursue charges nearly tripled. Trial conviction rates also fell.
For everyday families, that’s not abstract policy talk. That’s whether criminals face consequences or game the system.
Hicks Fires Back
Hicks says Duncan is twisting the facts.
He argues prosecutors should never file weak cases just to look tough. If evidence is shaky, charges can collapse later and victims suffer all over again.
That’s a fair point. Any responsible prosecutor should want strong cases, not flashy headlines.
Hicks also points to programs his office created for domestic violence victims and child abuse investigations.
He supported Governor Joe Lombardo’s 2025 crime bill, which increased penalties for some burglaries and created a transitional custody program for nonviolent inmates.
So this isn’t a simple “soft vs. tough” argument. It’s a debate over competence, judgment, and priorities.
Then Came the Mudslinging
As often happens in politics, policy arguments quickly turned personal.
Duncan’s campaign has blasted out aggressive emails using AI-generated images attacking Hicks over ethics concerns and accusing him of letting criminals off the hook.
Hicks says Duncan is running a dishonest smear campaign.
There’s also an ethics complaint involving Hicks’ wife, who works in the DA’s office. Critics allege improper promotion.
Hicks says he followed the law, recused himself from employment decisions, and that attacks on his wife are unfair and demeaning.
Meanwhile, Hicks calls Duncan a “carpetbagger” and career politician because Duncan previously served in the Legislature and once ran for Nevada attorney general.
So yes, it’s messy.
Why Nevada Should Pay Attention
What happens in Washoe County rarely stays in Washoe County.
It’s Nevada’s second-largest county. What prosecutors do there can shape statewide conversations on crime, bail, sentencing, and public safety.
Clark County voters know this story too. When people feel the system protects criminals more than victims, frustration builds fast.
Voters want fairness. But they also want order.
They want dangerous people prosecuted, repeat offenders stopped, and families able to feel safe walking to the store or parking downtown at night.
That’s not extreme. That’s normal.
What Voters Must Decide
This race may come down to one question: Do voters believe the current system is working?
If they do, Hicks likely survives.
If they think crime, weak enforcement, or insider politics have become the norm, Duncan has an opening.
Either way, Washoe County Republicans are about to send a message the rest of Nevada will hear loud and clear.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
