The race for Clark County Public Administrator features Stephanie Itkin-Goodman, who secured 65% of the vote in the Democratic primary, and Patrick Michael Murphy, who garnered 66% on the Republican side. Both candidates bring unique backgrounds and perspectives to the role, with a focus on leadership, legal expertise, and public service.
Itkin-Goodman, a newcomer to Nevada, previously spent just under two years working in a New York City district attorney’s office and also engaged in private legal practice. She currently serves as a deputy attorney general, advising various regulatory boards, including the Private Investigator’s Licensing Board (PILB), which oversees armed security guards.
This summer, the PILB faced scrutiny at a legislative commission meeting after proposing a regulation for eight hours of training for security guards carrying rifles and shotguns. Lawmakers noted that Nevada law does not permit security guards to carry such firearms. Sen. Rochelle Nguyen directly addressed the board’s executive director, stating, "We need to find out who your DAG is." Itkin-Goodman did not respond when asked whether she had reviewed the proposed regulation before its presentation to lawmakers. She later clarified that she can only offer legal advice, not compel the PILB to adopt it. Her opponent, Murphy, commented on the situation, suggesting she is new to the position and implying a lack of decisiveness. Itkin-Goodman emphasizes her legal qualifications, asserting that her career has involved “navigating complex legal matters, protecting vulnerable individuals, and ensuring accountability.” She believes her legal background and commitment to transparency make her a strong choice for the independent leadership needed in the Public Administrator's Office.
Patrick Michael Murphy brings extensive experience in Clark County public service. He was an appointed Clark County coroner from 2002 to 2015, an office that served as the inspiration for a popular network television program. During his tenure, he also assumed leadership roles in other agencies requiring assistance, such as the Clark County Division of Juvenile Justice, earning him a reputation as the county’s "fix-it guy." Murphy highlights his familiarity with communities across the county, including Henderson, North Las Vegas, Laughlin, and Overton, as an advantage, stating he doesn't "have to start from scratch" and has "a good reputation for getting the work done."
From 2008 through 2015, budget reductions led the coroner’s office to handle Public Administrator duties for overnight cases, giving Murphy direct experience with the role's responsibilities. He stated that without his time as coroner, he “wouldn’t know anything about running the public administrator’s office.” Additionally, he served as Clark County’s legislative lobbyist in 2013 and 2015.
Murphy’s career in law enforcement began in Southern Nevada in 1980 with the Boulder City Police Department. He later became Mesquite’s Chief of Police and worked for the City of Las Vegas Detention and Enforcement. After retiring in 2015, he worked for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children before being called back to lead the coroner’s office in 2020 following an early retirement during COVID. In 2022, Clark County again called on Murphy to restore order in the Public Administrator’s office, which was embroiled in scandal surrounding then-Public Administrator Rob Telles, who was later charged with the murder of reporter Jeff German. Murphy states he seeks the opportunity “to go there and finish what I started.”
Murphy, who has never run for office previously, expressed surprise at the minimal prerequisites for candidates, noting that eligibility can be met simply by paying a fee. He observes that voters often default to party affiliation in down-ballot races, even though “the vast majority of people don’t even know what the office does.” He suggests the office should be nonpartisan or appointed, cautioning voters against party-line voting if they do not know the candidates. Murphy argues for an executive leader with a business and leadership background, drawing a parallel to his 14 years running the coroner’s office without a medical degree.
Both Itkin-Goodman and Murphy agree that the Public Administrator role is not a political one. They both support changing the law to allow county commissions in large counties, such as Clark and Washoe, to appoint the position. Both candidates also committed to increasing community outreach efforts if elected, aiming to reduce the number of individuals who die without a will.
Murphy has specific proposals to enhance operations, including equipping investigators with body cameras and implementing a barcoding system to “bag and tag” inventory in the field. He cited a recent case involving nearly $200,000 in cash and hundreds of weapons, highlighting the need for “policies to protect beneficiaries and heirs, as well as employees” and address questions of integrity.
Financially, Itkin-Goodman had raised $41,000 as of October 15, with approximately $13,000 on hand. Her campaign has received endorsements from several organizations, including Culinary Local 226, SEIU Nevada, IATSE 720, Southern Nevada Building Trades Union, National Organization for Women (NOW), Make the Road, and PLAN Action.
Murphy’s campaign had raised nearly $87,000 as of October 15, with roughly $26,000 in the bank. He has garnered endorsements from over a dozen law enforcement associations, including the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers, Clark County Firefighters, and Juvenile Justice Probation Officers, along with several veterans organizations and Ironworkers Local 433.