The Washoe County Republican Party no longer acknowledges Washoe County Commissioner Clara Andriola as a member.
During their monthly Central Committee meeting on Monday, January 29, party members voted not to recognize Andriola as a Republican and to not endorse or support her in her bid for County Commissioner. Instead, the party will support Tracy Hilton-Thomas, Vice Chair of the Washoe County Republican Party, in the upcoming June primary.
Hilton-Thomas is known for blowing the whistle on the Washoe County Registrar of Voter’s Office’s ballot and signature verification irregularities in March 2021.
The resolution lists specific examples, including Andriola’s approval of the Lands Bill privatizing public land, appointing liberals to boards, approving large expenditures, and ignoring voter rights and free speech issues. It further cites Andriola voting 87 percent of the time with the Democrats as Commissioner, claiming that she has “weakened the brand and the integrity of the Republican party.”
Andriola has contested these allegations, saying no one from the party contacted her to discuss the concerns. She argued that she has a long history of being a Republican and working to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Chairman Bruce Parks of the Washoe County GOP countered Andriola’s claims, pointing to meetings with her to voice concerns about her alignment with party expectations. He asserted that Andriola, representing a conservative district, claimed to be apolitical, which he deemed inappropriate for her role.
Parks also criticized Governor Joe Lombardo for appointing Andriola without consulting the Washoe County Central Committee or Republican commissioners. He expressed frustration at being ignored by the governor’s office over Andriola’s voting alignment.
Despite a letter signed by some Republicans asking the central committee to reject the resolution, the committee proceeded with the decision.
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