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Washoe County Commission — District 3
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Washoe County, Nevada·Incumbent

Mariluz Garcia

Candidate for Washoe County Commission — District 3

Democratic
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Bio

About the candidate

Mariluz Garcia was born and raised in Elko, Nevada and moved to Washoe County in 1998 to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned a Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. from the College of Education and Human Development. She spent about 25 years as an educator and nonprofit leader before public office, including more than a decade as Executive Director of UNR's Dean's Future Scholars Program, and helped establish the Nevada First-Gen Network. Elected to the Washoe County Commission in 2022 with roughly 62% of the vote, Garcia represents District 3 — which includes downtown Reno, the University area, West Sparks, and Sun Valley. She serves on regional boards including the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), the Regional Transportation Commission, the Washoe County Stadium Authority, and the Truckee River Flood Management Authority. Her public agenda centers on housing affordability, behavioral health, community safety, and expanding educational and economic opportunity.
About

Key background

  • First elected to the Washoe County Commission in 2022, defeating her Republican opponent with about 62% of the vote.
  • Doctorate in education from UNR; spent 25 years as an educator and nonprofit leader before elected office.
  • Former Executive Director of UNR's Dean's Future Scholars Program and a co-founder of the Nevada First-Gen Network.
  • Serves on regional boards including EDAWN, RTC, the Stadium Authority, and the Truckee River Flood Management Authority.
  • Voted to certify Washoe County's 2024 election results.
  • Made the motion to approve the 940-home Sierra Reflections subdivision in March 2026 over a unanimous Planning Commission denial.
On the issues

Where they stand

Domestic and Social Issues

Prioritizes affordable housing, behavioral health services, and expanded educational and economic opportunity for working families.

Domestic and Social Issues

In 2024, voted for a county ordinance restricting camping and vehicle habitation on county property — a measure opposed by several faith-based and homelessness advocacy groups.

Governance and Administration

Voted to certify Washoe County's 2024 election results and has publicly defended the integrity of the county's election administration.

Governance and Administration

In March 2026, made the motion and voted to approve the 940-home Sierra Reflections subdivision, overturning a unanimous Planning Commission denial despite significant public opposition.

Energy and Environment

Serves on the Truckee River Flood Management Authority and the Western Regional Water Commission and has emphasized long-term water and infrastructure planning.

In the news

Recent articles

No news articles have been added yet.

Endorsements

Notable endorsers

  • LIUNA Local 169
  • NAIOP Northern Nevada
  • Native Voters Alliance
  • Nevada Builders Alliance
  • Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte
  • Nevada Conservation League
  • PLAN Action