Brad Barnhill

Brad Barnhill served in the U.S. Navy. He earned a high school diploma from Quantico High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia in 1981. His career experience includes working as a paralegal.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Brad Lee Barnhill is running for Nevada Secretary of State as an independent, principled voice free from party-machine influence. His background combines 20 years as a Nevada civil litigation paralegal with 20 years as a computer systems analyst — a rare pairing of legal rigor and technical expertise directly relevant to running the state's election and business infrastructure.

Barnhill's top priority is restoring trust in Nevada's elections. After discovering more than 9,600 Nevadans with duplicate active voter registrations, he filed a federal lawsuit, Barnhill v. Aguilar, seeking an audit and a statewide duplicate-detection program — not alleging fraud, but demanding accountability. He also supports full implementation of Voter ID under Question 7, using the office's existing regulatory authority.

Beyond elections, Barnhill wants to modernize the state's outdated business-filing systems (the SilverFlume-to-ORION transition), strengthen business privacy protections modeled on states like Wyoming and Colorado, and use the office's platform to champion economic diversification beyond tourism and gaming.

Campaigning under the banner "Results, Not Noise" and #YourIndependentVoice, Barnhill positions himself as a non-partisan problem-solver for a state increasingly frustrated with both parties.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Election Integrity Through Accountability, Not Accusations

Nevada's Secretary of State office should be the guardian of accurate, trustworthy elections. After identifying more than 9,600 Nevadans with duplicate active voter registrations, I filed a federal lawsuit — Barnhill v. Aguilar — not to allege fraud, but to demand the audit, reconciliation, and public reporting the current office has failed to provide. I will also ensure full implementation of Voter ID under Question 7, using the Secretary of State's existing regulatory and training authority, without requiring new legislation.Modernizing Nevada's Business Infrastructure

The Secretary of State's office runs the systems Nevada businesses depend on every day, and those systems are overdue for an upgrade. I will complete the transition from the outdated SilverFlume platform to the modern ORION system, and strengthen business formation privacy protections — modeled on states like Wyoming and Colorado — so Nevada entrepreneurs aren't left exposed while trying to build something. A Secretary of State's office that runs efficiently is one less obstacle standing between Nevadans and economic opportunity.An Independent Voice, Not a Partisan One

I'm not running to serve a party — I'm running to serve Nevada voters, period. As an independent candidate, I answer to the people who elect me, not a political machine, and I bring a problem-solver's mindset shaped by 20 years as a civil litigation paralegal and 20 years as a computer systems analyst. My priority is using the Secretary of State's office to champion economic diversification beyond tourism and gaming, so Nevada's economy — and its voters — aren't captive to either party's playbook.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Government accountability, election integrity, and modernizing outdated state IT systems — plus economic diversification beyond tourism and gaming, so Nevada families aren't exposed when travel spending dips."

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Alan Turing — he used logic and technology to solve unsolvable problems. That's the work I do.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Safeguard fair elections, ensure business transparency, and run state systems honestly.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Protecting election integrity — one lawful vote, counted once, for every eligible Nevadan.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Restoring public confidence in elections, and proving independent candidates can win and lead.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I threw papers and mowed lawns to support my bowling habit.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Protecting election integrity — one lawful vote, counted once, for every eligible Nevadan.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The SOS can fix Voter ID and roll accuracy via regulation now — no new legislation needed.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

No one "famous", just people who vote.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The assassination of JFK.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Brad’s father was a USMC lifer. He joined the Corps when he was 16. He was deployed twice to Korea and five times to Viet Nam. Three Purple Hearts. Brad grew up on military bases and was instilled with love for his country and duty to his nation.

Educational Background

Brad graduated from Marine Corps Base Quantico High School in 1974, third in his class. Brad attended the University of Virginia from 1974-1976 and 1979-1981. First a physics major, but loving the math transferred to the Engineering School into Applied Math. Brad graduated from the University of Virginia in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. His undergraduate thesis was in artificial intelligence.

Professional Careers

Brad’s pursued a professional career as a systems analyst, working as a contractor for US EPA, USPS, for a division of Lexis Nexis, and for an offshore oil development company. The next step in his career was as litigation paralegal in personal injury, contracts, employment claims, civil rights, and criminal law.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Nevada’s economy heavily relies on tourism and hospitality, which can be volatile. Promoting economic diversification to reduce dependency on these sectors and create more stable job opportunities is crucial.

Enhancing economic diversification is a critical goal for Nevada to reduce its reliance on traditional industries like tourism and gaming and foster a more resilient and dynamic economy.

Encourage investment in innovation hubs, technology parks, and research institutions to support the growth of high-tech industries such as renewable energy, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.Transferring federally administered land to state control, especially when it’s under the jurisdiction of agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is a complex and contentious issue.

Work with state legislators and congressional representatives to introduce and advocate for legislation that supports the transfer of federally administered land to state control. This may involve drafting bills, building coalitions, and lobbying for support at the state and federal levels.As of 2023, the total number of illegal aliens in Nevada rose to 428,000 illegal aliens and their children. Several hundred thousand new people coming into mostly Clark County who need housing have caused inflation in housing and in every other area of the economy. Again, economics 101, more people with more dollars chasing the same products and services drives up prices.

The average 3-bedroom rental cost $1,500 in 2021, before the current president. Now the average 3-bedroom rental goes for $2,000, a 33% price increase. According to Nevada state government data, there were only 29,074 low-income housing units in Nevada in 2019.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Remove illegal aliens from Nevada. There are an estimated 32,000 available housing units. An estimated 450,000 illegal aliens in Nevada put severe pressure on the housing market.

The Clark County School District, fifth largest in the nation, should be split into more management units to better server local interests.

Protect our children from irreversible harm. Chemical and physical mutilation is not the answer. Children should not be "transitioning" to another sex until they are adults and can make that decision for themselves. Neither should men pretend to be women and violate the safe spaces of our wives and daughters. Women in sports should be protected from unfair competition.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The Nevada Senate is the upper, smaller body in the legislature.

Senators represent larger districts with more constituents compared to Assembly members. Each Senate district is roughly twice the size of an Assembly district.

Senators often have fewer committee assignments compared to Assembly members due to the smaller size of the Senate. This allows Senators to focus more deeply on specific policy areas.

The smaller size of the Senate generally allows for more extended debate and deliberation on legislation compared to the Assembly. This can lead to more thorough examination of bills in the Senate.

Senators often hold more influence due to the smaller size of the chamber and the longer terms, which can provide more stability and continuity in legislative efforts.

Both chambers play crucial roles in the state budget process, but the Senate’s smaller size and longer terms can sometimes lead to a more detailed and long-term perspective on budgetary issues.

Senators represent larger and more diverse constituencies compared to Assembly members, which can influence their approach to constituent services and advocacy.

Due to their longer terms and broader districts, Senators may take on more complex, long-term policy issues, whereas Assembly members might focus on more immediate, local concerns.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My father was an intermittent example in my life. Two tours in Korea. Five tours in 'Nam. Three Purple Hearts. We spent out time together when he was not deployed fixing up cars, landscaping and finishing out the basement of a new home.d He taught me love of country, self-discipline, how to work with my hands, and how to think and plan projects.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America, by Founding Fathers

The Federalist Papers, Various Authors

The Republic, Plato

The Law, Frederic Bastiat

Common Sense, Thomas Paine

The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith

Civil Disobedience, Henry David Thoreau

Economics in One Lesson, Henry Hazlitt

The Road to Serfdom, Friedrich A. Hayek

The Revolution: A Manifesto, Ron Paul

A Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert Heinlein

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Robert Heinlein

1984, George Orwell

Brave New World, Aldous Huxley

Hologram of Liberty, Kenneth W. Royce

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity: Honesty and strong moral principles are crucial. An elected official must be trustworthy and uphold ethical standards in all actions and decisions.

Transparency: Open communication and accountability are key. Constituents should have access to clear and accurate information about the official's activities and decision-making processes.

Responsiveness: An effective elected official listens to the needs and concerns of their constituents and responds appropriately. This includes being accessible and willing to engage with the community.

Commitment to Public Service: Dedication to serving the public and improving the community is essential. An elected official should prioritize the welfare of their constituents over personal or political gain.

Leadership: The ability to guide, inspire, and influence others is important. This includes having a vision for the future and the skills to bring people together to achieve common goals.

Competence: A thorough understanding of the issues, policies, and laws relevant to the office is necessary. This includes the ability to make informed decisions based on facts and evidence.

Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others helps an elected official to connect with and effectively represent their constituents.

Fairness and Impartiality: Treating all individuals and groups with equal consideration and without bias ensures that decisions are just and equitable.

Courage: The willingness to stand up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or adversity, is vital for enacting meaningful change and upholding principles.

Collaboration: Working well with others, including colleagues, other government officials, and the public, is important for achieving effective governance and positive outcomes.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have varied experience in computer systems analysis and as a litigation paralegal. I understand that changing a system requires changing to only one aspect of that system, tracking the outcome, and only then making other changes. I understand how to discuss complex problems with less technical stakeholders to further their system requirements. I understand how to research the law, how to read it, and how to apply it. Using a systems analysis approach to legislation means changing one thing at a time and studying the effect, rather than changing everything all at once.

The words in the law mean what they say.

The meaning of those words are as intended by the people who wrote them.

The power of the law lies in the words used to express it.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Legislation: Crafting, debating, and voting on laws. Senators introduce bills, propose amendments, and work to pass legislation that addresses the needs and concerns of their constituents and the state as a whole.

Representation: Serving as a voice for their constituents. This involves understanding the issues facing their district, communicating with residents, and advocating for their interests in the legislative process.

Budgeting: Participating in the creation and approval of the state budget. This includes allocating funds to various state programs, services, and infrastructure projects, ensuring fiscal responsibility and addressing the state's financial needs.

Oversight: Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of state laws and policies. Senators hold hearings, conduct investigations, and review the actions of the executive branch and state agencies to ensure accountability and transparency.

Constituent Services: Assisting constituents with issues related to state government. This can involve helping residents navigate state services, addressing individual concerns, and providing information on state programs and policies.

Policy Development: Working on long-term policy solutions to address state challenges. This involves researching, consulting experts, and collaborating with stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies on issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development.

Collaboration: Building coalitions and working with fellow legislators, the executive branch, local governments, and other stakeholders. Effective governance often requires bipartisan cooperation and negotiation to achieve legislative goals.

Public Engagement: Communicating with the public about legislative activities, decisions, and policy impacts. This includes holding town hall meetings, maintaining an active presence in the community, and using media and social media to keep constituents informed.

What legacy would you like to leave?

All I can do is to help leave the world a little better off than how I found it. This is what I learned in Boy Scouts by respecting the environment in which you hike and camp. If I can help the next generation through the trials and tribulations that they will experience such that they leave the same legacy to their own children, I will be satisfied with that.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that I remember was the assassination of John F. Kennedy, followed by the assassination of his brother, and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I was 8 years old at that time and in the 3rd grade.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked at the Post Exchange at MCB Quantico as a janitor and then transitioned to building bicycles purchased from the PX. I worked there for two years. The minimum wage at that time was $1,25 per hour. The difference between then and now is that I was paid when money was made of silver. Today, that same salary would be worth in excess of $25 per hour. Nevada should take the path blazed by Utah to make gold and silver legal tender within the state, and for transactions in gold and silver to be untaxed. The inflation inherent in the use of fiat currency and government overspending would be alleviated by such an economy.

What is your favorite book? Why?

A Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert Heinlein

Growing up, my father would be deployed for 13 months and I would like with my mother and my two sisters in one of my grandfather's rental homes in Wichita. When he came home, we would all pick up and move to whatever USMC base he would be stationed for the next 18 months before being re-deployed.

Moving that often, one does not become attached to people or places. There are no steady friends. Except for books. Mom bought me a set of the Great Books of the Western World and I read through those. In Junior High, I subscribed to the Science Fiction book club and A Stranger was one of the first books I acquired from that subscription.

Valentine Michael Smith was born on Mars. The six humans that were part of that expedition killed each other before he could reckon. He was raised by the Martians. He had a completely different outlook than anything I had ever read before. Read it, you'll see what I mean.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I cannot fathom being anything other than what I am.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Owner of a Lonely Heart, Yes

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Dealing with the Electronic Babylon that the world has become without getting lost as a cog in the works.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Monitoring Government Operations: Ensuring that state agencies and officials are operating efficiently and ethically is key. This involves conducting oversight hearings, reviewing reports, and holding entities accountable for their actions.

Protecting Citizens: Crafting laws that enhance public safety, whether through crime prevention, disaster preparedness, or health regulations, is a critical responsibility.

Promoting Welfare: Ensuring that all residents have access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and social services, is vital for the overall well-being of the community.

Working Across the Aisle: Effective governance often requires collaboration and compromise. Building relationships and working with colleagues from both parties to pass meaningful legislation is essential.

Coalition Building: Forming coalitions with other legislators, stakeholders, and community groups can enhance the effectiveness of policy initiatives and ensure broader support for important issues.

Open Communication: Keeping the public informed about legislative activities and decisions builds trust and fosters civic engagement. This involves regular communication through various channels, including social media, public forums, and newsletters.

Accountability: Being accountable for one’s actions and decisions, and being willing to explain and justify them to the public, is key to maintaining integrity and trust.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Confirmation of Appointments: The Senate often plays a role in confirming gubernatorial appointments to key positions within the state government, including heads of departments, boards, and commissions. This power helps ensure that qualified and suitable individuals are appointed to these roles.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe it is beneficial for holders of this office to have life experience and an empathy with the voters.

My experience in systems analysis allows me to understand interrelationship of components of a system and to work to integrate them into a whole.

My experience as a paralegal has taught me to be able to research the law and its effects and gives me the ability to draft new legislation.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Integrity, transparency, responsiveness, commitment to public service, leadership, competence, empathy, fairness and impartiality, courage, and collaboration.

Tell us your favorite joke.

A robot walks into a bar, orders a drink, and lays down some cash. The bartender says, “Hey, we don’t serve robots.” And the robot says,

“Oh, but someday you will.”

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

none at this time.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

No government official should be able to invest his own money. All government officials must place their assets into a blind trust that cannot be accessed until 10 years after they leave office.

Government officials are subject to insider trading laws.

No government official may act as a lobbyist to government within 10 years of their leaving office.

No government official who leaves office (excepting POTUS) may retain their security clearance.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

The current state ballot initiative process is functioning appropriately and there is no need for any changes.