Douglas Herndon
Non-Partisan | Nevada
Candidate Profile
Uncontested
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Douglas Herndon
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2026
Election
Primary
Race
Supreme Court, Seat D
Incumbent
Yes
Links
EDUCATION
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, B.S., 1986
Washington and Lee University School of Law, Lexington, Virginia, J.D., 1990
WORK & MILITARY
N/A
AFFILIATIONS
Rape Crisis Center, Volunteer - Teacher, Shade Tree Shelter
Volunteer, Opportunity Village, Volunteer
The Meadows School, Board of Trustees, American Youth Soccer Organization
Coach, Nevada Child Seekers, Board Member
National Shaken Baby Alliance, Advisory Board Member, Various Club Soccer Organizations
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
N/A
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
N/A
OTHER INFORMATION
Judge Herndon is the District Court Judge for Department 3 of the Eighth Judicial District Court. He was appointed to this position in 2005 by Governor Kenny Guinn. The New York Times calls Governor Quinn "a Democrat turned moderate Republican.”
The Las Vegas Review-Journal quotes Douglas Herndon: "I believe our founders were incredibly wise in how they defined democracy,’ he [Douglas Herndon] said. 'It’s incumbent upon us to give meaning to the exact language of that document, but even they would admit you can’t anticipate the future. We have to be enlightened, and we have to give meaning to where we are as a society now as we interpret the provisions of that document.’”
Judge Herndon filled out a survey with The Nevada Independent and attached a report of his campaign contributions.
The Las Vegas Review says, "Judge Herndon has 15 years experience on the bench and understands the importance of constitutional principles such as the separation of powers. He also had the humility to come forward last year in support of a bill to compensate those who have been wrongly convicted after it was revealed he had, as an assistant prosecutor, played a role in such an injustice."
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Was Dobbs v. Jackson rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: In Dobbs, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the federal constitution does not confer a right to abortion.)
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Does the federal Constitution support the right to physician assisted suicide? Please explain in light of Washington v. Glucksberg (1997).
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Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
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How do you view the judiciary’s role in matters of abortion regulation following Dobbs?
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RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Do you believe religious liberty is at risk in the United States. If so, what is the judiciary's proper role in addressing this issue?
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Does the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment require government to be strictly secular or does it allow for the nation's religious heritage?
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Was Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held tha the state may not show religious hostility when enforcing anti-discrimination laws against a business owner.)
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VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
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What is your understanding of parental rights under the Constitution regarding the upbringing of children, particularly regarding choices about education and sexual identity?
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Is gender identity a protected class under the Constitution? Please explain the constitutional basis for your view.
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ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
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Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
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I voted in these primaries and general elections:
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JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Describe your judicial philosophy.
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Do you believe judges should primarily apply the law according to its original public meaning, or do you believe the law evolves over time to reflect contemporary values?
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Which current or past U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?
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Was Obergefell v. Hodges rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses create a right for same-sex couples to marry.)
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A. How should a judge approach a case where the constitutional or statutory text is clear on its face? B. Conversely, how should a judge proceed when the text is ambiguous or silent on a disputed issue?
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What is your view of judicial restraint versus judicial activism? How do you define each?
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What is the proper role of a judge?
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When applying or interpreting the text of a statute or constitutional provision, is it ever proper for a judge to consider present day public opinion or consequences?
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If precedent departs from the Constitution’s text or original meaning, should a judge follow it or correct the error? Please explain.
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
The burden of proof in a criminal case is generally that the state must provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Some say the reason the burden of proof is so high is because we greatly value ensuring that the innocent are not unjustly imprisoned. Please comment on this topic.
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When reviewing wrongful conviction claims, what role, if any, should judges play in determining remedies?
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2ND AMENDMENT
What is your understanding of the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms?
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OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Which branch of government do you believe was intended to wield the most authority?
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