It's been less than a year since the 2024 general election. And while there is still more than a year until voters cast a ballot in the 2026 midterms, it looks like the campaign cycle is officially underway.
On Monday, September 15, Republican Governor Joe Lombardo officially kicked off his reelection campaign in front of supporters at Rancho High School in Las Vegas. During his 25-minute speech on Monday, the governor touted his accomplishments, including raises for teachers and state workers, enacting policies meant to improve school accountability and access to attainable housing, and approving the Campus for Hope.
"For 34 years, I proudly wore the badge of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: protecting our streets, standing up for victims, and making sure our communities were safe," he told the crowd. "Three years ago, I turned in that badge and asked for your trust and confidence to continue that mission as your governor. That remains my motivation to keep Nevada safe, strong, and full of opportunity. Now Donna and I would like to ask again for your support to finish the job we started."
He also took credit for his record 160 vetoes, saying he would continue to serve as a bulwark against bills coming out of the Democratic-majority Legislature.
"It's nothing to celebrate because of what that means — it's bad government, right? I won't hesitate for a second to say no again, though."
Lucia Starbuck, a politics reporter with KUNR Public Radio in Reno, says those vetoes have been very popular with Lombardo's base.
"They like that he is standing up to the Democrats," she said. "A couple of things that he has vetoed are the three gun restriction bills that have gone on his desk twice now: people under 21 not to have semi-automatic weapons, guns near election sites, and guns in the hands of people convicted of hate crimes. He vetoed a bill to require paid family leave for private workers. So, it seems like people are happy that he's using his veto pen pretty, pretty strongly."
Of course, Lombardo is not running unopposed. Two Democrats have so far announced their intent to run against Lombardo: Attorney General Aaron Ford and Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill. And already, many expect Nevada's 2026 governor's race to be among the most closely watched contests in the country.
Starbuck said the race is likely going to come down to a couple of key issues, many of which were top of mind for voters in 2024.
"Housing, health care, how much money they have in their pocket, and, of course, if you want someone who will stand up to Trump, or if you like what Trump's been doing so far," said Starbuck.
Guests: Lucia Starbuck, politics reporter, KUNR Public Radio
