Washoe County District Court Judge Bridget Robb, who was giving up her family division seat to challenge another district court judge in the civil/criminal division in this year’s election, announced Thursday she would retire from the court Feb. 6 and was withdrawing her candidacy.

The decision means District Judge Kathleen Sigurdson is unopposed for her seat.

The announcement comes a day after the Reno Gazette-Journal reported that a temporary protection order claiming stalking was granted against Robb. 

“After careful consideration, I have made the decision to retire from my position as a judge,” Robb said in a statement. “At this time, I believe stepping away from my judicial role and the election is in the best interest of the court, my family, and the community. I ask for respect and understanding for all involved during this transition.”

Instead of filing for re-election to her Department 13 family court seat, Robb filed on Jan. 5 to run against Sigurdson, who sits in Department 10. They were the only two candidates in the race when filing closed Friday.

A campaign spokesman said Sigurdson, who has held the Department 10 seat since her election in 2020, declined to comment.

According to the Gazette-Journal, the protective order was sought by a Reno gaming and administrative law attorney on Jan. 12 in Reno Justice Court. It was granted Friday. Robb has held her seat since 2006 after being appointed by Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn.

Two candidates filed for Robb’s Dept. 13 seat: Reno family law attorneys Alexander Morey and Lance White.

Washoe County has 16 district court departments, nine of which are designated as civil/criminal. The other seven handle family court cases, such as divorce, child custody, child support, adoptions and guardianships.

Robb began her legal career in private practice, working for two statewide law firms, Lionel Sawyer & Collins and Gordon & Silver, before leaving in 1995 to form the firm of Beesley & Peck. 

Before her 2020 election to the bench, Sigurdson had her own law firm in Reno, practicing in bankruptcy, family law, personal injury and workers’ compensation. Over time, she limited her practice to personal injury and workers' compensation.

Washoe County could decide to leave Department 13 vacant until the election or could ask the Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection to recommend a list of replacements with an appointment to be determined by Gov. Joe Lombardo.