Gadzooks — Gomez Jumps Races, Lands in Assembly District 30

Nothing says campaign momentum quite like a two-time commission runner-up offering glowing leadership reviews.

In a political leap worthy of a track meet, Trista Gomez has frog-leaped from the Washoe County District 3 Commission race and resurfaced as a candidate for State Assembly District 30. That puts her squarely against hometown favorite Natha Anderson, widely regarded as one of the more approachable members of the Assembly — yes, the one who actually returns calls and emails - even ours.

So what does Gomez’s switch say? For starters, critics will argue it suggests she saw the writing on the wall in the commission primary, particularly with Troy Regas already established in that lane. After all, Gomez moved into the district to run. Voters tend to notice things like that.

The bigger political question swirling behind the scenes: did she have a conversation with Washoe County Republican Chair Bruce Parks before making the pivot? Parks has publicly stated he would not support Regas, which naturally raises eyebrows. Does that mean Republicans are searching for — or quietly grooming — another option? Or does it simply signal internal party turbulence?

Meanwhile, Democrats are expected to circle the wagons around Anderson with the kind of fundraising muscle that tends to make challengers sweat. Republicans, historically less inclined to open their wallets in local races, may find themselves facing an uphill climb if Gomez becomes their standard-bearer without significant financial backing.