Sheriff Candidate Filing Opens June 15 – July 24

A special candidate filing period for Churchill County sheriff will open June 15 and run through July 24, giving interested candidates an opportunity to seek election to the office in November.

The filing period was created following the death of Sheriff Richard Hickox on April 11. Hickox had already filed for re-election before his passing, and the regular candidate filing period had closed, requiring a separate process under Nevada law.

On April 17, the Churchill County Commission appointed Undersheriff Lee Orozco to fill the vacancy and serve the remainder of Hickox's current term, which expires in January 2027. Orozco's appointment ensured continuity within the Sheriff's Office while voters await the opportunity to elect a sheriff during the November general election.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills explained that because the primary election filing period had already passed, Nevada law provides for a separate candidate filing period to allow individuals to seek election to the office.

“There is a provision for a candidacy filing period,” Mills told commissioners. “Because we’re already past the time for a primary, that period will run later on…there’ll be an opportunity for people to file to get onto the general election.”

Nevada Revised Statutes call for a new filing period during which time any interested candidate may file to run. The special filing period opens Monday, June 15, and closes July 24. Candidates who file during that period will appear on the November ballot, where voters will choose who will serve the next term as Churchill County sheriff beginning in January 2027.

Candidates will file online at the Secretary of State’s website. The filing website is open for candidates to enter their “draft” information now, however they cannot officially file until the filing period begins on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Additional information regarding candidate filing requirements is available through the Churchill County Clerk-Treasurer's Office. A link to the Sheriff Candidate Filing Packet is posted to the elections page on the Churchill County website to assist candidates with the process. 

Also see: Commissioners Appoint Lee Orozco as New Sheriff for Remainder of Former Sheriff Hickox’s Term