Candidacy
Katherine Yriarte is running for Washoe County Commissioner (District 5). What does a Washoe County Commissioner do?
Motto
“Every Voice Matters. Every Community Counts.”
Introduction
A Nevada resident since 1986, Katherine Yriarte (pronounced “YAR-tay”) is a moderate, conservative Christian who leads with compassion, humility, and integrity. Her faith guides her to serve with transparency, accountability, and genuine care. She respects the separation of church and state, while letting timeless values of service and dignity guide her decisions.
Katherine is not a career politician, but that’s a good thing! She brings real-world experience—managing budgets, running businesses, and leading a nonprofit organization (she’s the founder and current president of the Nevada Equine Council)—and has problem-solving skills learned from years of training horses, caring for rescue animals, and working in veterinary medicine.
Katherine is offering specific, actionable solutions—not vague promises. She brings fresh eyes, practical leadership, and an unwavering commitment to our most vulnerable neighbors. She works across party lines because our neighbors don’t care about politics when their road needs fixing or their family needs help.
Personal Message
“I’m running for Washoe County Commissioner to be a voice for those who feel unheard, standing up for our rural and working families in District 5. My goal is to protect our land and ensure that Washoe County remains a place where community, integrity, accountability, and common sense leadership guide every decision.
I am incredibly grateful for every single supporter, and I look forward to speaking with each of you to learn how I can best serve you.” — Katherine Yriarte
Top 5 Key Issues
- SENIORS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, & CAREGIVERS – Expand programs to prevent homelessness in our most vulnerable populations. Strengthen programs that help individuals with disabilities and seniors work and live independently and with dignity. Make caregiving and aging in place more affordable for families.
- RURAL COMMUNITIES & RESPONSIBLE GROWTH – Protect agricultural and equine businesses from overregulation while preserving Nevada’s heritage and rural way of life. Safeguard Washoe County’s lands, trails, and agricultural zones. Promote smart development that respects property rights while keeping decision-making local and accountable. Empower local voices while ensuring developers contribute fairly to the communities they impact.
- SMALL, HOME-BASED, & FAMILY BUSINESSES – Reform outdated codes that burden small enterprises, support local and home-based industries, and create a business environment that rewards hard work.
- KEEP WASHOE COUNTY SAFE – Balance accountability with wisdom because effective re-entry programs prevent repeat offenses. Harsher punishments for violent crimes and crimes against children. Evidence-based alternatives (treatment, community service) for non-violent offenders to reduce recidivism and save taxpayer dollars. Support rehabilitation programs, especially faith-based initiatives. Prioritize victims through restitution and support services.
- TRIBAL RELATIONS & SOVEREIGNTY – Respect sovereignty and ensure tribal concerns are heard at the county level. The county must work with tribes, not around tribes. Build trust through consistent actions, transparency, and listening.
Viewpoints & Solutions
Now that we have identified the Top 5 key issues that Katherine is focused on, what are her proposed solutions? There is no better way to understand her viewpoint on these issues than to read her own words:
A Summary: Core Priorities and Solutions
Delve even deeper:
- Supporting Seniors, Persons With Disabilities, & Their Families
- Protecting Rural Communities, Agriculture, and Open Spaces
- Empowering Small and Family-Run Businesses
- Public Safety First: Honest Solutions for Washoe County
- Building True Partnership: Tribal Sovereignty & County Governance
Endorsements
- Public Safety Alliance of Nevada (PSAN) – PSAN is a coalition representing Nevada’s law enforcement and public safety organizations, including the Reno Police Protective Association, Sparks Police Protective Association, Washoe County School Police Officer’s Association, Washoe County Sheriff Deputies Association, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Supervisory Deputies Association.
- Washoe County Republican Party
- Washoe County Republican Assembly
- Nevada Young Republicans
Campaign Website
Social Media
Recent Q&A Video
Additional Links
Katherine Yriarte launches campaign for Washoe County Commission District 5 (KRNV News4)
Katherine Yriarte (Ballotpedia)
Who’s announced a run for the Washoe commission, Reno council in 2026? (RGJ)
Washoe Leads the Way: County GOP Endorses Full Slate from Governor to Mayor (Nevada Globe)
Editor’s Note: The “Meet the Candidates” series on Sun Valley Insider is provided as a free, public service for voter information purposes. No monetary incentive is asked, received, or provided. Sun Valley Insider does not endorse or support any political candidates. The 2026 Primary Election in Nevada is on Tuesday, June 9.
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