The Convenient Crystal Ball: Was This Piece About Wes Duncan a Set-Up?
Photo of Wes Duncan and Chris Hicks are from their campaign website.
The Reno Gazette-Journal’s Mark Robison recently posted a piece by political analyst Louis Jacobson of the Crystal Ball suggesting Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan should drop his bid for Washoe County District Attorney and instead run for Nevada Attorney General. Interesting timing—and even more interesting implications.
Current DA Chris Hicks is facing what could be the toughest challenge of his career. Duncan, with a campaign war chest reportedly over $500,000, is a serious contender. Hicks, meanwhile, is stumbling through missteps, from the growing dysfunction inside his office to questionable charging decisions and opaque settlements.
Even Hicks’ personal life has raised eyebrows—his new wife works inside the DA’s office, sparking questions about reporting structure and oversight. Yet instead of addressing these issues directly, Hicks leans on his taxpayer-funded Public Information Officer to trumpet wins while burying losses, painting a one-sided picture of his tenure.
From Louis Jacobson’s Crystal Ball …
So how did this Crystal Ball piece—suggesting Duncan bow out of the DA race—land in Robison’s feed? Coincidence? Or did Hicks’ team (or allies) nudge the narrative, hoping to redirect Duncan to another office entirely? After all, the piece couldn’t have been better timed—or better tailored—to Hicks’ political needs.
Then there’s Hicks himself, making questionable judgment calls like boasting in a Republican gathering about a meeting with Washoe County Library Trustee Gianna Jacks—a meeting now drawing a public records request from KUNR. Commissioner Mike Clark, who says he organized it, is telling reporters to call him. The optics for Hicks? Not great.
Gianna Jacks at the 83rd Nevada Legislature
So yes, this Crystal Ball article feels less like political insight and more like political insurance—a carefully placed piece designed to thin the field before the race even starts.
Because if Hicks is as vulnerable as his recent missteps suggest, expect more of these stories to surface. And expect voters to ask who’s really holding the pen.