Why Are Hillary Schieve and Eddie Lorton Suddenly Aligned?
A Look at the Parade, the Courtroom, and the Primary Math. It's all about vote splitting as the primary approaches and Schieve seeks to protect Reese and stall Taylor.
May 28, 2026
When Our Town Reno posed its question on April 14 — asking why outgoing Mayor Hillary Schieve and long‑time political adversary Eddie Lorton were suddenly appearing “chummy,” from courtroom proximity to July 4 parade theatrics — it tapped into a civic curiosity. The post framed the puzzle clearly:
How could two figures who spent years attacking each other — Lorton once calling Schieve the “bulldozer queen” during the J Resort demolition controversy — now be aligned on high‑visibility public matters? And why now, in the middle of a competitive mayoral primary featuring four heavyweight contenders?
The comment section that followed revealed just how fractured and emotionally charged Reno’s political landscape has become.
Word on the street is that Fat Marmot is polling higher than Eddie Lorton, so Schieve’s plan might not work. Note: This is an Internet meme;it is political satire. Fat Marmot is not a real person. Creator unknown. Don’t call Pierre.
A Community Trying to Make Sense of an Unlikely Alliance
The responses ranged from earnest civic optimism to outright cynicism.
Some commenters embraced a charitable interpretation:
“It’s the correct thing to do… the 250th anniversary is non‑partisan.”
“Former opponents being civil is not breaking news. It’s called adulthood.”
Others rejected that framing entirely:
“Hillary has failed to protect Reno residents for years, and Eddie is a MAGA… landlord who does not have our best interests in mind.”
“She’s done no matter what, why keep poking the bear… It’s time for Eddie to have the spot he deserves, finally.”
“Anything woke is already broke. If the Democrats want someone, I want the other candidate.”
Still others focused on the broader political environment:
“It’s time for a change in leadership… too many key positions filled based on alignment rather than expertise.”
“I will not vote for any member currently on City Council running for mayor.”
“Kate Marshall will expose the shenanigans going on with the gang hand‑picked by Sferrazza.”
And some simply expressed exhaustion:
“I’m so glad I’m moving away from this nut house of a city.”
The diversity of reactions shows how little consensus exists about the motives behind the Schieve–Lorton alignment. But beneath the noise, a more structural explanation emerges—one rooted not in personality but in primary strategy.
Which Candidates Will Get Through the Primary on June 9th?
I’m predicting that both Lorton and Reese fail to get through the primary, and I suspect that Schieve is frantic as she tries to hold on to influence.
A Strategic Interpretation: Vote‑Splitting and Primary Positioning
Here is the theory that best fits the incentives, the timing, and the behavior.
1. Schieve is aligned with Devon Reese as her preferred successor
This is visible through public appearances, political networks, and donor overlap. If Schieve wants continuity in policy direction and institutional relationships, Reese is the candidate whose lane most closely aligns with her coalition.
Schieve has every incentive to ensure the next mayor:
protects her policy legacy
doesn’t investigate past decisions
maintains relationships with donors and developers
keeps her political network intact
Reese fits that continuity. Taylor does not. Lorton is useful as a spoiler.
2. Kathleen Taylor is the most direct threat to Reese’s lane
Taylor draws support from:
business‑friendly moderates
anti‑Schieve voters
residents frustrated with development patterns
donors who have historically clashed with Schieve’s administration
If Taylor consolidates the “competent moderate” vote, she becomes a formidable obstacle to Reese.
What Lombardo’s Endorsement of Kathleen Taylor Reveals About GOP Power in Reno
Taylor’s prospects of becoming mayor advanced with Lombardo's endorsement, leaving Lorton befuddled and let down.
3. Eddie Lorton’s presence in the race fragments Taylor’s potential base
Lorton appeals to:
anti‑establishment voters
anti‑Schieve voters
right‑leaning populists
Residents are angry at City Hall
These voters are unlikely to support Reese. But if Lorton were to fade or lose visibility, many of them might gravitate toward Taylor.
Thus, a stronger Lorton weakens Taylor, which indirectly strengthens Reese.
Reno’s July 4th Parade and Where Eddie Lorton Really Stands
There won’t be any July 4th parade. It’s a stunt by Lorton to get attention. There are no participants, donors, or organizers.
4. The parade proposal gives Lorton visibility at no cost to Schieve
Supporting Lorton’s July 4th parade proposal:
elevates Lorton
gives him bipartisan optics
positions him as a civic leader
keeps him in the public eye
This is a classic form of strategic amplification.
5. The courtroom moment reinforces the same dynamic
Schieve, appearing ready to testify on Lorton’s behalf — despite a decade of hostility — is not typical political behavior. It is, however, consistent with a strategy of keeping Lorton viable and visible and helping him take votes from Taylor.
How Lorton’s Testimony Played in Court: It's all Drama!
Lorton went on like a person out of control as he tried to spin a tall tale about being threatened by a single commercial meme.
Why This Theory Fits the Facts Better Than the Alternatives
The “civility” explanation doesn’t account for the timing.
The “patriotism” explanation doesn’t explain the courtroom alignment.
The “forgiveness” narrative doesn’t match the political incentives.
The “they’re secretly friends now” idea contradicts years of public conflict.
The vote‑splitting interpretation is the only one that explains:
the parade theatrics
the courtroom appearance
the four‑lane primary structure
The incentives of an outgoing mayor seeking continuity
It doesn’t require conspiracy — just an understanding of how multi‑candidate primaries function.
Conclusion
The sudden alignment between Hillary Schieve and Eddie Lorton has puzzled many Reno residents, and Our Town Reno was right to surface the question. Public reactions show a community divided, frustrated, and searching for meaning.
When viewed through the lens of primary strategy, the behavior becomes far more legible: Boosting Lorton’s visibility fragments the anti‑Reese vote, which indirectly benefits the candidate most closely aligned with Schieve.
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