Engineer, Teacher and Navy Veteran Compete in Democratic Primary to Challenge Republican Incumbent in State Controller Race
The 2026 Nevada State Controller race features Republican incumbent Andy Matthews with three Democratic challengers, engineer and businessman Reno-based Robert "Bob" Blackstock, Henderson-based teacher Michael MacDougall, and Reno-based Bob Tolle, competing in the June 9 primary.
According to his website, Blackstock has an endorsement from assembly member Erica Roth as well as from the Nevada State Education Association.
“My interests led me to be a Silicon Valley engineer (AMD, one of the leading AI companies), a mergers and acquisition consultant in downtown Los Angeles (KPMG, one of the biggest business consulting firms in the world), a venture capitalist in Santa Barbara (funded by several, very large, international companies), and chief technology officer for a small tech company in the Bay Area that uses my patents in fluid mechanics. My current work is writing C# code to investigate stochastic domain interfaces with possible applications in social as well as hard sciences,” he writes on his about page saying he has worked across the country and internationally as a business consultant in numerous industries.
“I have been active in many aspects of the local Reno community, from government policy to business engagement… I was a volunteer lobbyist during the last Nevada State legislative session for the Planned Parenthood day, and also for the Sierra Club day,” he writes of his political background saying he is a member of the NAACP and attendant of No Kings rallies.
“I am about creating pathways to success that underscore transparency and collaborative effort among the many (15) regional development authorities in Nevada. In Northern Nevada I have had the pleasure of attending several EDAWN events," he adds.
Michael MacDougall has the “Building a Nevada for everyone,” slogan on his own website, where he explains that “the Controller’s office protects every dollar in Nevada. It holds the Treasurer, Legislature, and Governor accountable so public money goes where it should while following the law and our budget. That keeps Nevada out of deficit, protects emergency funds, and keeps social services running. As Controller, I will focus on three priorities to help Nevada families get ahead in a tough economy."
He lists the annual report, public transit and collecting taxes as his priority pillars, while his endorsements page is filled with unions, including in the law enforcement realm.
“As a young educator entering public service, he is committed to showing students - and all Nevadans - that the future belongs to those who participate, care, and take action,” he writes on his about page.
Bob Tolle is running in his own words “to bring exceptional leadership to the Nevada State Controller's office. With a focus to reintroduce honor, respectability and clarity to the job," his website indicates.
“I served in the U.S Navy on active duty for six years, flying missions to escort oil tankers through the Straits of Hormuz and reconnaissance flights over Iran. Later I then volunteered to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve, retiring honorably after 20 years. I currently volunteer at St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry in Reno,” he writes on his about page.
He also lists working as a tax specialist, NASA quality analyst and in previous jobs in the defense industry.
“As Controller, Bob Tolle will ensure that all financial reporting is on time, accurate and transparent. He is committed to diligently allocating all monies as directed by the legislature, treasurer and state government. Thus guaranteeing fiscal responsibility. Bob's work will directly benefit the people of Nevada by safeguarding public funds and promoting trust in our state's financial operations,” he adds.
Whoever wins the Democratic June primary will take on the Republican incumbent Matthews who took office as Nevada's 23rd State Controller on Jan. 2, 2023.
“Prior to his election as Controller, Andy spent his professional career in the public-policy arena as an advocate for fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and accountable, transparent government,” his official about page indicates.
The state controller administers the state’s accounting system, conducts state audits, settles claims against the state and collects debts, while also serving on the state’s transportation board and its executive branch committee.
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