He has been a district judge since 1993.
The district includes Eureka, White Pine and Lincoln counties. Papez, 51, is based in Ely where his biggest case load is generated because of lawsuits filed by inmates at the maximum security state prison there.
But Papez moves to different towns throughout the district to hear legal issues. He described his job as "have robe, will travel."
He has no opposition so far.