For Kayla Ball, running for Nye County Clerk represents both a professional next step and an opportunity to continue serving the community where she has spent nearly her entire life.
A Pahrump resident for 31 years, Ball describes herself as “homegrown and raised here,” someone whose roots in the community shaped both her personal life and career path. Today, she balances several roles — working full-time as a legal secretary in the Nye County District Attorney’s Office, operating a sheet metal manufacturing business, competing as a rodeo athlete, and pursuing higher education.
“I wear many different hats,” Ball said. “I like to stay involved and give back wherever I can.”
Her connection to the community extends beyond work. Ball volunteers and sponsors local rodeo events, helping support opportunities for future generations interested in western sports and agriculture-related activities. She was also previously recognized with an Act of Kindness Award for overcoming adversity while striving to serve as a positive role model.
Ball said Pahrump has always felt like home because it fits the lifestyle she values most.
“I love that I can drive 10 minutes and go ride horses, drive ATVs, or go shooting,” she said. “It has that small-town freedom feel that I just can’t pass up.”
Growing up in Pahrump also taught her how to create opportunities for herself, she explained, even when options felt limited.
“Growing up, there weren’t always a lot of opportunities here, so I created my own,” Ball said. “I landed a good job and eventually built my own company. I built a great life for myself here.”
Outside of campaigning, Ball’s schedule remains busy. She works four days a week at the District Attorney’s Office, spends evenings riding horses, and often dedicates weekends to either rodeo competitions or working in her sheet metal shop. She is also completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and plans to pursue a master’s degree in counseling after graduating later this year.
Professionally, Ball said she is most proud of the growth she has achieved over the years. She has worked her way through multiple support staff positions within the District Attorney’s Office, earning promotions along the way, while also expanding her own company in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“I never give up,” she said. “I’m always striving to improve.”
That drive for continued growth is one of the reasons she decided to run for clerk.
Ball explained that after reaching the highest support staff position available to her within the District Attorney’s Office, she began looking for a new challenge and a way to apply her experience in a broader capacity.
“Running for Nye County Clerk and potentially serving in that office opens an entirely new world of opportunities for me,” she said. “Learning about election processes, campaigning, and the structure of our government has been incredibly intriguing and rewarding.”
She added that her current focus remains on serving Nye County and exploring how she can contribute to the community through public service.
Ball said she hopes voters see beyond campaign appearances and understand the level of responsibility she believes the position carries.
“I want people to know that I take that responsibility seriously and am committed to serving the community to the best of my ability,” she said.
When asked what values guide her decisions, Ball pointed to authenticity and hard work.
“My friends, family, and coworkers would probably tell the community that one thing about me is true to a fault — I am authentic,” she said. “I am exactly who I am from the moment you meet me.”
If elected, Ball said success would mean creating consistency within the office while working toward long-term improvements that benefit both the department and the community.
She also believes Nye County departments must continue preparing for future growth by streamlining operations and finding more efficient ways to serve residents.
“Nye County continues to grow, and departments countywide need to be prepared to meet the demands that come with that growth,” Ball said.
At the end of a term, Ball said she hopes people would view her leadership positively and feel they better understood the role and responsibilities of the Clerk’s Office.
“I hope people would say that I did a good job and that I left behind a strong foundation for the next person to continue building on,” she said.
While many residents may know Ball through her campaign or work, she said one detail that often surprises people is her involvement in rodeo.
“I used to think the hardest thing I ever did was ride a bull — until I ran a campaign,” she joked.
Ball also shared that she faced significant challenges growing up, including experiencing homelessness as a teenager. She said those experiences shaped the resilience and perspective she carries today.
“I am a fighter and a survivor,” Ball said. “I built a great life for myself, and I want people to know that I take everything in life as a learning experience.”
