Marla Renteria

Marla Renteria ran for election for the Department 1 judge of the Henderson Township Justice Court in Nevada. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Renteria completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Marla Renteria was born in Reno, Nevada. Renteria's career experience includes working as an attorney. She earned a bachelor's degree from Seattle University in 2001 and a law degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2011.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Henderson Township Justice Court Department 1

Sandra Allred DiGiacomo defeated Marla Renteria in the general election for Henderson Township Justice Court Department 1 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Sandra Allred DiGiacomo (Nonpartisan)	56.7	81,870
	Marla Renteria (Nonpartisan)	43.3	62,561

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 144,431
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Henderson Township Justice Court Department 1

The following candidates ran in the primary for Henderson Township Justice Court Department 1 on June 11, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sandra Allred DiGiacomo (Nonpartisan)	33.0	14,026
✔		Marla Renteria (Nonpartisan)	21.7	9,247
	Submit photo	Gary Thompson (Nonpartisan)	18.0	7,656
		Todd Prall (Nonpartisan)	14.7	6,253
	Submit photo	Harvey Gruber (Nonpartisan)	8.7	3,704
	Submit photo	Louis C. Schneider (Nonpartisan)	3.8	1,632

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 42,518
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Janette Reyes-Speer (Nonpartisan)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Renteria in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Marla Renteria completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Renteria's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Mexican American woman who was born in Reno, Nevada. I come from a hardworking family. I grew up in a double-wide trailer in Sun Valley, a poorer area of town. My parents worked casino shift work to provide us a good home. From a young age, they instilled in me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. My upbringing exposed me to different social and economic challenges, which fueled my passion for fairness and justice.

I was the first in my family to attend college, relying on scholarships, part-time jobs, and student loans to fund my education. Later, as a single mother, I moved to Las Vegas to attend law school, balancing rigorous studies while raising my son. This experience taught me resilience and the power of determination. For the past decade, I’ve been serving as a public defender, advocating for the constitutional rights and dignity of vulnerable people. Through my work, I’ve seen how critical it is to ensure equal access to justice for everyone, regardless of their background. I’m deeply committed to this principle and it drives my approach in every case I handle.

In addition to my legal work, I’ve built a strong community in Henderson, where I’ve raised my son and where we’ve made our home. I’ve always believed that a person’s worth is defined by their character and contributions to the community, and I carry these values into everything I do. I’m ready to continue serving the public and working to make a positive impact.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I’ve spent over a decade fighting for the rights of the most vulnerable as a public defender. I believe that justice should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation. As a judge, I will ensure that every person who enters the courtroom is treated with dignity and respect and receives a fair and impartial hearing.
I have deep roots in this community, having raised my son here and worked closely with residents throughout my career. I understand the unique challenges we face and am committed to addressing them through thoughtful and pragmatic solutions that prioritize the well-being of our families and neighborhoods without sacrificing the rights and dignity of our neighbors.
Transparency and accountability are at the core of my values. As a judge, I will uphold the highest ethical standards, remain impartial, and work diligently to serve the public good. I am committed to earning and maintaining the trust of the community through my actions on and off the bench.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about public policy areas that focus on access to justice, fairness, and pragmatic approaches to addressing crime and community safety. I believe the legal system should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or background, and that true justice requires more than just punishment—it requires understanding and addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, addiction, and mental health issues.
I am also deeply committed to policies that promote fairness within the criminal justice system, particularly in protecting the constitutional rights of the accused and ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are treated with dignity.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee; "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson; and "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important traits for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a strong commitment to serving the public. Integrity means being honest and making decisions based on what's right, not for personal gain. Accountability is about being responsible for your actions and putting the community first.

Empathy and fairness are also key. A good leader listens to everyone, especially those who need help the most, and makes sure decisions are fair and just. Lastly, an elected official should be able to work well with others to come up with practical solutions to problems.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

The qualities I possess that would make me a successful officeholder stem from my extensive experience in public service, legal expertise, and deep connection to the community. First, I have a strong sense of empathy and commitment to justice, honed from over a decade as a public defender advocating for the rights of the accused and ensuring they receive fair treatment. My dedication to addressing the root causes of crime has driven me to seek solutions that promote public safety while maintaining fairness in the legal process.

Second, my leadership as the team chief of the Domestic Violence unit, along with my role as Co-chair of the Clark County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Subcommittee on Domestic Violence, has given me the ability to navigate complex issues, build consensus, and create meaningful reforms. I am focused on transparency and accountability, as demonstrated by my efforts to engage the community in judicial processes and court observations, ensuring that the voices of those affected by the system are heard.

Finally, my personal background—growing up in a working-class family, being the first in my family to attend college, and raising my son as a single mother while pursuing a legal career—gives me a deep understanding of the challenges many face. I am committed to creating policies that ensure access to justice, fairness, and practical solutions for the public good. These qualities make me equipped to serve effectively and compassionately in public office.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for someone elected to this office are ensuring fairness, upholding the rule of law, and serving the public with integrity. As a judge, one must ensure every individual who appears in court is treated with respect, dignity, and impartiality, regardless of their background or circumstances. Upholding the rule of law is essential to maintaining public trust in the justice system, which requires applying the law consistently and fairly, without bias or favoritism. When litigants feels seen, heard, and understood they are more likely to accept a ruling even when it is contrary to their position.

Additionally, a judge must be committed to transparency and accountability. This means explaining decisions clearly and being open to feedback from the community about their overall administration of justice.

Ultimately, a judge’s role is to protect the rights of all parties, promote justice, and contribute to a safer, more equitable community.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I would like to leave is one of justice, equity, and meaningful change for those most vulnerable in our community. I want to be remembered as someone who worked tirelessly to make the legal system more accessible, fair, and compassionate—someone who ensured that every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, was treated with dignity and respect in the eyes of the law.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first event I have a distinct memory of is the Persian Gulf War. I was in 6th grade at the time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked on the weekends at Pizza by the Slice in Park Lane Mall in Reno, Nevada through my Sophmore year of high school. I loved the opening shift on Sundays because I would get to chat with and see the Senior Citizen mall walkers. I worked there until I got my summer job at Wild Island Water Park in Sparks, Nevada the following year.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the biggest struggles in my life was balancing my responsibilities as a single mother with the demands of pursuing a legal career. Leaving the support and resources of my hometown, to move to Las Vegas for law school while raising my son on my own required immense sacrifice and resilience. There were times when the pressure felt overwhelming—balancing long hours of studying with the challenges of parenting entirely on my own, all while worrying about providing for my family.

Financially, it was tough. I relied on scholarships, summer jobs, student loans and credit cards to get through school. There were moments when I questioned whether I could juggle it all, but I kept pushing forward. I was driven by the belief that my education would open doors not only for me but for my son as well. I wanted to show him the importance of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to your goals, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

This struggle shaped me into a stronger, more empathetic person and has deeply informed my approach as a public defender. It taught me how to advocate for others who face their own hardships, knowing firsthand what it’s like to fight through adversity.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

My legal philosophy centers on justice, fairness, and the protection of individual rights. I believe everyone should have access to the legal system, regardless of their financial situation or background. Supporting the rule of law is also critical. But, laws must be applied consistently and fairly to maintain public trust and ensure equality.

Empathy plays a vital role in my approach; understanding the challenges people face in the legal system allows me to make informed, compassionate decisions. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, I support addressing the root causes of crime through rehabilitation and community-based solutions where appropriate.

Engaging with the community is crucial for shaping effective legal strategies and policies. I am committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency and accountability in my actions. My philosophy emphasizes justice, compassion, and a dedication to serving the community while upholding the rule of law and individual rights.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

Yes, I believe that empathy is an essential quality for a judge. While judges must apply the law impartially, empathy allows them to understand the unique circumstances and perspectives of the individuals before them. It helps ensure that justice is administered in a way that considers the human element of each case, particularly when dealing with vulnerable populations or cases involving complex personal situations, like domestic violence or immigration. Empathy fosters fairness by encouraging judges to appreciate the broader context behind legal disputes, making their decisions not only lawful but also just. However, empathy must be balanced with objectivity, ensuring that it informs a judge's understanding without compromising the impartial application of the law.

Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?

No.

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

My decision to run for this position stems from my deeply rooted belief in the rule of law and that justice must be administered impartially and equitably. In my more than a decade of service as a public defender, I have seen too often judges lacking the courage to enforce our constitutional principles and the law and make the tough decisions because of their biases or favoritism for a party involved. I have also seen too many judges take things personally and fail to maintain their judicial temperament. As a Justice of the Peace, I aim to apply my fundamental beliefs by making decisions that uphold our constitutional liberties and enforcing the law in a manner that promotes personal accountability and the stability and well-being of my Henderson community. I am dedicated to ensuring that our legal system operates effectively and efficiently, and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect under the law. I will keep in mind that I will often be seeing people on their worst day and remember that maintaining a professional and calm temperament is as important as rendering fair and legally accurate rulings

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

SEIU Nevada Local 1107; Culinary Local 226; Southern Nevada Building Trades Union; Ironworkers Local 433; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 357; Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 13; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12; Teamsters Local 14, 631 and 986; International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees 720; Southern Nevada Central Labor Council; Nevada State AFL-CIO; Nevada NOW (National Organization of Women); Hispanics in Politics; Make the Road Nevada; Nevada Impact; African Chamber of Commerce; and National Latino Peace Officers Association.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are necessary for effective government. When the public can see how public money is being spent and for what purpose, it builds trust. Citizens are more likely to support their elected officials and government initiatives when they know how their money is being spent and how it benefits the community.
Elected officials need to be held responsible for their decisions and how they spend public funds to ensure money is being spent wisely and to prevent corruption. Transparency is also critical to ensure that the public can engage in discussions about the propriety of spending, advocate for any necessary change, and to hold their leaders accountable.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Candidate

Henderson Township Justice Court Department 1

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 6, 2024

Nevada courts

Federal courts:

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: District of Nevada • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of Nevada

State courts:

Nevada Supreme Court • Nevada Court of Appeals • Nevada District Courts • Nevada Justice Courts • Nevada Municipal Courts • Clark County Family Court, Nevada

State resources:

Courts in Nevada • Nevada judicial elections • Judicial selection in Nevada

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 6, 2024

[1]

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Marla Renteria

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Henderson Township Justice Court Department 1

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Henderson Township Justice Court Department 1

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

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