Reno’s 2026 Mayoral Race: Who is in the Lineup? What are their Chances?
With Mayor Hillary Schieve termed out, the field is wide open—and the networks of money and influence are already lining up behind their preferred candidates.
The Open Seat Moment
For the first time in over a decade, Reno will elect a new mayor without an incumbent on the ballot. Hillary Schieve, first elected in 2014, is termed out. That creates a power vacuum—and makes 2026 the most competitive mayoral contest in recent memory.
Already, four figures are in the race: businessman Eddie Lorton, Council Member Kathleen Taylor, Council Member Devon Reese, and former Lieutenant Governor Kate Marshall. Each represents a different political lane, donor network, and vision for Reno’s future.
Eddie Lorton: The Populist Outsider
George “Eddie” Lorton is a local businessman who has run for mayor three times before. He got through the primary 2 times. In 2022, he pulled in 41% against Schieve in the general, his strongest showing. In 2018, he finished with 35.5%, and in his first run in 2014, he managed 8.7% in a crowded primary. He also ran for the citywide at-large council seat in 2020, with about 30% of the vote.
Lorton is persistent and well-known. His message is straightforward: Reno needs fiscal restraint, an end to sweetheart redevelopment deals, and a focus on basic city services. His base consists of anti-establishment voters, small business owners, and citizens who feel overlooked by City Hall.
His lane is clear: outsider populist. In a city like Reno, it has been a tough lane to win from, but it’s not impossible. There have been races where the candidate won after several tries.
See, George “Eddie” Lorton for Reno Mayor
Kathleen Taylor: The Insider’s Likely Choice
Appointed to the City Council in 2022 to replace Neoma Jardon, Taylor won her seat outright in 2024. Before that, she chaired the Reno Planning Commission and currently serves on multiple boards, while also running a small business.
Taylor’s alliances appear to be with the current political machine, as well as with developers, large donors, and the networks of influence that have dominated Reno’s city hall for more than a decade. She’s relatively low profile compared to Reese, and she is scandal-free and loyal to the existing power structure.
For Jessica Sferrazza, Schieve’s 2014 campaign manager and long-time power broker with deep ties to casinos, developers, and unions, Taylor should be the safest bet to continue business as usual. She’s donor-friendly and carries no personal baggage.
Her challenge? Building name recognition citywide and convincing voters she’s more than a stand-in for the old guard, and is willing to be independent. That might make her an issue for the insiders.
See Kathleen Taylor for Reno Mayor.
Devon Reese: The Insider With Heavy Baggage
Reese was appointed to the at-large council seat in 2019 and later won it in 2022 and 2024. He has the connections: unions, donors, and establishment figures. But he also has something no candidate wants—ethics scandals, police reports, and lawsuits.
The Nevada Ethics Commission has scrutinized Reese for issues related to disclosure and travel. A 2023 deferral agreement was reopened in 2025 due to new complaints. The stories have piled up: ethics investigations, questions about his behavior toward citizens, and criticism for using City Hall to protect the interests of his union clients.
For donors, Reese is a risky investment. He can raise money, but the issues around him are real and linger. Unions may still support him; however, for now, his candidacy appears more like a liability than a winning race.
Kate Marshall: The Wildcard
Former state treasurer (2007–2015) and lieutenant governor (2019–2021), Marshall left Carson City to take a White House appointment under the Biden administration. Now she’s back, announcing her mayoral bid in June 2025.
Marshall brings experience and the support of the Democratic Party infrastructure. She has the endorsement of many Democrats, including those from Clark County and State Offices. She’s better known statewide than locally, and that might be both a strength and a weakness. Critics will say she abandoned Nevada when she left her position as lieutenant governor. Supporters will argue she brings real experience and stature at a time Reno needs serious leadership.
The question is whether Marshall can win over Reno voters who are unfamiliar with her and whether establishment donors, who typically prefer more local candidates, are willing to support her.
See Kate for Reno.
Financial experience to tackle the deficit in the main strength that Marshall brings.
Where the Political Machine Fits In
To understand Reno politics, it is essential to follow the networks of money and influence. Jessica Sferrazza, a former council member, Hillary Schieve’s 2014 campaign manager, the daughter of former Mayor Pete, and a long-time influencer, is a pivotal point. She connects casinos, developers, unions, and big donors.
Schieve is out, but her political machine isn’t. The heir could be Kathleen Taylor, but will she cooperate? Reese is scandal-prone and has built a long list of detractors. Marshall is independent with her own supporters. Lorton is an outsider, but he has his own base of support.
What’s telling is that Schieve is hosting a fundraiser for Reese. Does she owe him? Is she out of line with the political machine? Is he the only one who will play along?
The Road Ahead
This is a rare mayoral race with no incumbent and no predetermined outcome. The lines are lining up:
Lorton will own the outsider lane.
Taylor is the insider’s clean choice.
Reese is the risky insider.
Marshall is the wildcard.
In 2026, Reno voters will not only be choosing a mayor. They’ll be choosing between reform or another round of the same old power brokers calling the shots from behind the curtain. Is Reno ready for a change?
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Mike! Thanks again for more critical information that cannot be found elsewhere without a ton of searching!
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Sam DNA Dehne
Thanks Mike for the report. We've heard a lot about Reese and there's a lot to dislike. I agree that Taylor seems to be currently free of scandals and it is interesting that Schieve is supporting Reese instead -- I suspect she owes him a lot of favors. I'm curious about Lorton, because in the last election a lot of mud was flung his way by his opponents for various things he's been accused of in the past. I haven't lived in Reno long enough to know the history behind those accusations but some of those seemed a bit outlandish. If you have the time, it would be great if you could publish a report outlining the more serious and credible charges against Lorton and his responses.