Nevada Judicial Commission Denied Brewer Appointment

The state commission declined to forward Kristine Brewer for a temporary vacancy on the Family Court.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Gambling

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an empty desert-modern stone doorway casting a sharp shadow, symbolizing a vacant judicial position. — The Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection declined to appoint Kristine Brewer to the vacant Family Court seat, leaving the position open until November's general election. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should a candidate's personal financial history disqualify them from receiving a temporary judicial appointment?

In July 2026, the Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection opted against recommending Kristine Brewer for a temporary appointment to the vacant Family Court Department S seat. The position, vacated by the retirement of Judge Vincent Ochoa, will remain empty until the general election.

Why it matters

The commission’s decision underscores the scrutiny placed on judicial candidates' financial histories, including past bankruptcy filings and tax obligations. This outcome leaves the seat unfilled, forcing voters to determine the final occupant during the November election.

Kristine Brewer, who secured 47.8 percent of the primary vote, previously filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in late 2025. This filing disclosed $240,000 in combined debts, including $190,000 in back taxes.

The players

Kristine Brewer

She is a legal practitioner based in Henderson who is currently running for the Family Court Department S seat.

Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection

This state body is responsible for vetting and recommending candidates for judicial vacancies in Nevada courts.

Joe Lombardo

He is the Governor of Nevada who holds the authority to make judicial appointments based on commission recommendations.

Randall Forman

He is the candidate who placed second in the June primary election and is slated to appear on the November general election ballot.

Vincent Ochoa

He is the retired judge whose former position in the Family Court Department S remains vacant.

The details

Although Brewer was the sole applicant for the temporary seat, the commission reviews comprehensive applications involving personal conduct and financial standing. She will now proceed to the November general election to face Randall Forman, who earned 39.1 percent of the primary vote.

Federal tax liens were recorded against Brewer and Blau in 2018.
Brewer and Blau filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in late 2025.
A judge granted a discharge of debts in February 2026.
The primary election took place in June 2026.
The general election for the seat occurs in November 2026.

Roadmap

This decision follows the rigorous standards set by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection appointment process. It highlights how financial transparency requirements serve as a primary barrier to entry for judicial candidates in the state.

The vacancy in Family Court Department S means residents involved in pending legal matters will continue to see cases handled by existing court resources until a judge is seated. Voters will have the final say on the seat's occupant in the upcoming November election.

The takeaway

The commission's rejection of the sole applicant highlights the critical importance of financial background disclosures in judicial vetting. Voters should remain informed about the backgrounds of candidates as the November election approaches to ensure the selection of a qualified judge.