Reno’s “Best of” or Just Best Connected?

Social media post to gain votes for ‘Best of’ Reno News & Review.

Every year, Reno News & Review holds its beloved “Best Of” contest — a little popularity parade where locals nominate and vote for their favorites, from burgers to bands to (somehow) politicians. But this year, something smells less like civic pride and more like campaign cologne.

Take a wild guess which category got curiously crowded with familiar faces — the political one. And what do nearly all of them have in common? A cozy connection to the same campaign consulting firm. Coincidence? Maybe. Strategy? Definitely. Integrity? Let’s not get carried away.

It looks like someone figured out that the easiest way to win a “people’s choice” award is to stack the ballot box with people you chose. RN&R might’ve thought they were running a community poll — turns out, they hosted a PR stunt in disguise.

One candidate managed to get in without the firm’s fingerprints on their campaign. That’s either bravery, ignorance, or just the last shred of authenticity in a category now fully gentrified by marketing teams.

So here’s a toast to “Best Of” 2025.