Reno voters decide two city council seats Tuesday

Two Reno City Council seats are on the ballot Tuesday, Nov. 3, in nonpartisan races that will shape decisions on budgets, public safety and growth across the city.

Ward 2 in southwest Reno is an open seat. Ward 4 in the North Valleys features an incumbent challenged by a first-time candidate. Both are four-year terms, according to the City of Reno's 2026 election page.

The seven-member Reno City Council sets priorities, approves the city budget and addresses policy issues affecting all residents, according to the city's website. Vote centers open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., the Washoe County Registrar of Voters confirmed. Every voter in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Results will be unofficial until certified. Election results will be posted on the Washoe County Registrar of Voters website and the Nevada Secretary of State website, according to the city.

Ward 2: Johnson vs. Pellett

Matt Johnson and Summer Pellett are competing to replace Naomi Duerr, who is termed out, according to the Reno Gazette Journal. The two advanced from a four-person primary this spring.

Ward 2 covers southwest Reno, including the Idlewild Park, Reno High School, Caughlin Ranch and Lakeridge neighborhoods, the RGJ reported.

Johnson, 48, is a fiscal project manager at the University of Nevada, Reno. He holds a bachelor's degree in environmental science from UNR and a master's in environmental studies from the University of Montana. He previously served on the Ward 1 Neighborhood Advisory Board and was president of the Nevada Craft Brewers Association, according to the RGJ's candidate Q&A. He listed the city budget, warming temperatures and data center development among his top issues.

Pellett, 44, is the chief operating officer and owner of Pellett Construction. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from UNR and previously worked as a city planner and planning commissioner, the RGJ reported. Her top priorities include strengthening the economy, public safety and growth that preserves neighborhood character.

Both candidates flagged budget concerns. Pellett said she is "disappointed to see the budget overages year after year" and wants spending prioritized at the start of the fiscal year, the RGJ reported. She also said the police department is "severely understaffed."

Johnson said the city has "looming budget challenges" that could limit its ability to provide services residents expect.

The Nevada Independent reported Pellett raised more than $74,000 through September, while Johnson brought in about $34,000.

Ward 4: Ebert vs. Gomez

Incumbent Meghan Ebert faces challenger Eddie Gomez in Ward 4, which stretches from North McCarran to the California state line and is Reno's largest ward by square mileage, the RGJ reported.

Ebert, 46, has served on the council since 2022, according to Washoe County records. She lives in Lemmon Valley and previously worked as a business systems analyst. Her top issues include infrastructure, regionalization of fire and police services and bringing higher-paying jobs to Ward 4.

Gomez, 25, owns Cielito Lindo Taqueria and lives in Lemmon Valley. He studied marketing, accounting and data analysis at UNR. He listed infrastructure, public safety and small business as his top priorities, the RGJ reported.

The Nevada Independent reported Ebert raised about $12,000 and Gomez about $10,000 through September. Gomez also loaned his campaign $30,000. Both candidates paused their campaigns after summer fires in the North Valleys, the Independent reported.

Ward 2 results

Ward 4 results

Washoe County voters can find vote center locations at washoecounty.gov/votecenters. Mail ballots can be returned to official drop boxes through Election Day.