For Cori Freidhof, serving as Nye County Clerk has been rooted in both experience and a strong belief in the importance of public service. Now seeking reelection after being appointed to the position just over two years ago, Freidhof says her campaign is centered on continuity, election integrity and continued outreach throughout the county.
Born and raised in Nevada, Freidhof spent much of her life in Elko County before moving to Nye County 13 years ago. Over the years, she has worked in a variety of roles ranging from cocktail waitress to steakhouse manager, experiences she says helped shape her approach to customer service and working with people from all walks of life.
“I have created an amazing ‘family’ both here and Pahrump,” Freidhof said.
Although she lives in Tonopah, Freidhof said she regularly travels to Pahrump and makes an effort to stay connected with residents throughout Nye County. Her involvement in organizations such as Beta Sigma Phi and local community efforts, including scholarships and the Angel Tree program, helped deepen her ties to the area after relocating in 2012.
Freidhof has worked for Nye County for 12 years, including seven years within the Clerk’s Office. She stepped into the role of County Clerk following the resignation of former Clerk Mark Kampf and was unanimously appointed by the Nye County Commission.
She said one of the driving factors behind her decision to pursue the appointment was her passion for elections and the belief that the role requires hands-on experience.
“This isn’t a position that can be learned from a book,” Freidhof said. “You need to experience it; you need to live it.”
Looking back on her time in office, Freidhof pointed to several accomplishments she is particularly proud of, including the office’s transition away from District Court operations and successfully conducting two elections while implementing a new voter registration system.
“We still have a ways to go, but I am discovering the strengths of the different people,” she said of her staff and office growth.
Freidhof described the successful administration of elections and the camaraderie within her team as some of the most rewarding parts of the position. She also said the role has taught her the importance of relying on and trusting the people around her.
“I have learned that I don’t have to do it all,” she said. “Although I still double check as it is my name on the door, I have learned to utilize the staff and resources that I have to be successful.”
Now officially running to retain the office through election, Freidhof said she believes the Clerk’s Office would benefit from stability after several years of changes.
“My office has gone through enough changes over the last four years,” she said. “We need some consistency.”
If reelected, Freidhof said she hopes to continue staff training across the office’s systems while also expanding outreach efforts, particularly toward younger residents throughout Nye County communities including Pahrump, Beatty, Amargosa Valley, Duckwater, Gabbs and Round Mountain.
She also expressed a desire to encourage greater community participation in elections and local boards while emphasizing the importance of keeping politics separate from election administration.
“I want to educate the public that politics don’t belong in Elections,” Freidhof said.
Outside of her candidacy, Freidhof described herself as a hardworking person who values loyalty, family and community. As the second youngest of nine children, she said she learned early on to stand up for what she believes in.
“I am not well known in Pahrump,” she said. “I always felt that was a good thing, because I do my job, don’t break the law, and quietly support my office.”
