On Friday, November 14, 2025, the Reno Gazette Journal reported that Judge Kathleen Sigurdson will continue to preside over a case involving a lawsuit against Reno City Councilman Devon Reese, who is also a mayoral candidate. This decision follows a motion filed by Reese’s attorney, along with his law partner Alex Velto, seeking Sigurdson’s disqualification due to alleged bias.
Washoe District Court Judge Barry Breslow issued the order on Thursday evening, after several other judges recused themselves from the politically charged case. The motion for disqualification stemmed from Sigurdson’s characterization of podcaster Conor McQuivey, another party in the lawsuit, as a vexatious litigant.
Michael Leonard, a blogger, initiated the lawsuit against Velto, McQuivey, and Reese, claiming harassment via social media posts related to an incident at a Reno wine bar.
Judge Breslow, in his ruling, stated that Judge Sigurdson has an obligation to oversee the case to its completion. He affirmed that a thorough review of all filings did not reveal sufficient evidence of bias to warrant disqualification. Breslow noted Sigurdson’s written statement asserting she holds no animosity or prejudice towards Reese, Velto, and McQuivey.
Furthermore, Breslow indicated that any significant concerns raised in the disqualification motion could be addressed through an appeal if a decision made by Sigurdson is deemed worthy of challenge.
The underlying civil case is currently on hold, pending a decision from the Nevada Supreme Court regarding a petition by Velto. This petition contests Sigurdson’s finding that McQuivey was a vexatious litigant without adhering to proper procedures.
Source: Reno Gazette Journal
