On Thursday, January 22, 2026, The Nevada Independent reported that Washoe County District Court Judge Bridget Robb would retire from her position on February 6 and withdraw her candidacy for another judicial seat.

Robb, who was giving up her family division seat to challenge District Judge Kathleen Sigurdson in the civil/criminal division, announced her decision, leaving Sigurdson unopposed for her seat.

The announcement followed a report by the Reno Gazette-Journal a day prior, detailing a temporary protection order against Robb, claiming stalking. In a statement, Robb cited careful consideration and stated that stepping away from her judicial role and the election was in the best interest of the court, her family, and the community. She requested respect and understanding during the transition.

Instead of seeking re-election to her Department 13 family court seat, Robb had filed to run against Sigurdson, who presides in Department 10, on January 5. The two were the only candidates in the race when the filing deadline passed. Sigurdson, who has held the Department 10 seat since her election in 2020, declined to comment, according to a campaign spokesman.

The Gazette-Journal reported that a Reno gaming and administrative law attorney sought the protective order on January 12 in the Reno Justice Court. Robb has held her seat since 2006, having been appointed by Republican Governor Kenny Guinn.

With Robb’s departure from the Department 13 seat, two candidates have filed to replace her: Reno family law attorneys Alexander Morey and Lance White. Washoe County has 16 district court departments, with nine designated as civil/criminal divisions and seven handling family court cases, including divorce, child custody, child support, adoptions, and guardianships.

Robb began her legal career in private practice, working for two statewide law firms, Lionel Sawyer & Collins and Gordon & Silver, before establishing the firm of Beesley & Peck in 1995. Before her 2020 election to the bench, Sigurdson had her own law firm in Reno, where she focused on bankruptcy, family law, personal injury, and workers’ compensation. Over time, she narrowed her practice to personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.

The Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection is expected to provide a list of potential replacements for the department, with Governor Joe Lombardo set to make the appointment.

 

 

Source: The Nevada Independent