Judge Steinheimer Remained Sidelined Without Disciplinary Record
The Washoe District judge is currently earning her $192,000 salary despite being prohibited from hearing cases.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Law
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Since February, Washoe District Judge Connie Steinheimer has been barred from presiding over cases or making legal decisions under an administrative order. Despite being sidelined, she continues to collect her $192,000 annual salary while running unopposed for another term.
Why it matters
The situation leaves a seat on the bench filled by an official unable to perform the core functions of the role. Voters will return her to office for a new four-year term in January regardless of the current administrative restrictions.
Judge Steinheimer continues to earn a $192,000 annual salary despite being sidelined from judicial duties. The Commission on Judicial Discipline has not yet posted any formal actions regarding the judge, and she is set to begin a new four-year term in January.
The players
Connie Steinheimer
A Washoe District Judge who is currently barred from hearing cases but continues to receive her full salary.
Egan Walker
The Chief Judge who issued the administrative order prohibiting Steinheimer from making legal decisions.
Alicia Lerud
The District Court Administrator who clarified that the court's action is not a formal suspension.
The details
Chief Judge Egan Walker issued the administrative order in February that prevents Judge Steinheimer from presiding over cases or issuing legal rulings. District Court Administrator Alicia Lerud confirmed that this action does not constitute a formal suspension. Steinheimer is currently on the ballot for re-election without an opponent, ensuring she will start a new four-year term at the beginning of 2027.
Timeline
February 2026: Judge Steinheimer was sidelined by an administrative order.
October 2026: Current status of the judge's salary and case assignments.
January 2027: Judge Steinheimer begins a new four-year term.
The Truckee Meadows View
The absence of filings with the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline highlights a contrast to typical regulatory transparency seen in Washoe District judicial proceedings. This situation marks a departure from standard practice where administrative case removal usually coincides with formal disciplinary record-keeping.
Residents of the Washoe District will see Judge Steinheimer begin a new four-year term in January. Voters should monitor court agendas to see if the administrative order remains in place or if legal duties are restored after the new term begins.
The takeaway
The administrative action highlights a gap between a judge's ability to perform work and their status on the ballot. Residents can track court proceedings to see if the administrative limitations are updated when the new term begins in January.
Further reading
For more information on local judicial oversight and court administration, see Law.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Reno News.
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