📌 THE GIST:
ELKO, NV — The candidate filing window has closed for Elko’s 2026 city elections, setting up a contested mayor’s race and at least two competitive council seats. Termed-out Mayor Reece Keener leaves an open seat at the top of city government for the first time in years.
🔍 THE DETAILS:
- The Mayor’s Race: City Councilman Giovanni Puccinelli filed to run for mayor, stepping up from his council seat to replace Keener, who is barred from seeking another term.
- Puccinelli’s Council Seat: Walter Fick, a deputy district attorney in Elko County, filed to run for the council seat Puccinelli is vacating.
- Second Council Seat — Morris vs. Hagen: Incumbent Councilman Claire Morris faces a challenge from Michael Hagen, a former mayoral candidate, along with Marissa Lostra, an at-large member of the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority.
- Third Open Seat: Councilwoman Mandy Simons is termed out after 12 years on the council, opening a second seat. Councilman Chip Stone filed for re-election to his own seat.
- What’s Next: Elko’s primary election will narrow the field before the November general election. The Elko County Clerk’s Office is holding a public election system demonstration on April 10 (9 a.m.–3 p.m., 550 Court St.) for residents who want to see how the county’s voting systems work ahead of the cycle.
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⚡ THE SPARK: With several open and contested seats on the ballot this year, what’s the single issue you most want Elko’s next city leaders to focus on?
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🔗 SOURCES: Elko Daily Free Press