Walker and Pellizzari Will Face Off in November Election
The Las Vegas Municipal Court Department 1 candidates are set for the general election on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Elections
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Incumbent Judge Matthew Walker and challenger Amanda Pellizzari will compete in the Las Vegas Municipal Court Department 1 general election on November 3, 2026. Both candidates advanced from the June 2026 primary election to secure their spots on the ballot.
Why it matters
The outcome of this race determines who will serve as a municipal judge in Las Vegas until 2028. Voters are choosing between an appointed incumbent and a local attorney to oversee court proceedings in the city.
Pellizzari led the three-way primary with 36 percent of the vote, followed by Walker at 33.3 percent. Walker previously received a 94.3 percent retention recommendation in the 2025 Judicial Performance Evaluation.
The players
Matthew Walker
He is the incumbent judge for Las Vegas Municipal Court Department 1 who was appointed to the position in 2025.
Amanda Pellizzari
She is a criminal lawyer and alternate judge who opened her own law office in 2020.
Las Vegas City Council
This governing body is responsible for the municipal appointments of judges within the city court system.
The details
Matthew Walker was appointed to the bench by the Las Vegas City Council in February 2025 and currently serves as the incumbent for Department 1. Amanda Pellizzari, a criminal lawyer and alternate judge for the court, has operated the Law Office of Amanda Pellizzari, LLC since 2020.
Timeline
February 2025: Walker was appointed to the municipal bench.
June 2026: The primary election determined the two general election candidates.
October 17, 2026: Early voting for the general election begins.
November 3, 2026: The general election takes place.
Political Context
Opponents of the incumbent often point to the appointment process as a reason for change, arguing that voters should select judges in competitive cycles. Conversely, supporters highlight the 2025 Judicial Performance Evaluation as evidence that the incumbent has met established standards.
Residents of Las Vegas will cast ballots to determine the judicial oversight for local municipal matters through 2028. The election results will directly shape the administration of justice in the city courts for the next two years.
The takeaway
Voters should review candidate credentials and past performance evaluations before finalizing their ballots for the upcoming municipal election. Engaging with early voting opportunities provides residents more flexibility in participating in this local selection process.
What happens next
Early voting for the municipal court election is scheduled to begin on October 17, 2026, ahead of the general election on November 3.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming races, visit our guide to Las Vegas Elections.
Live Poll
Do you plan to vote in the upcoming municipal judge election in your area?
