Polling Average
60%50%40%30%20%10%0%
45.9%
40.9%
Republican
Incumbent
IncumbentJoe Lombardo
Incumbent Republican candidate for Governor in Nevada
$782.4K
NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Live Odds — Nevada Governor winner?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
57%chance to win
$782.4KNOV 7, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleGovernor
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyModerate Republican
Age63 years old (Nov 8, 1962)
GenderMale
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LocationNevada
BackgroundPolitician
EducationUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas (B.S.)
Notable personal detailsJoseph Michael Lombardo is an American politician and former law enforcement officer who has served as the 31st governor of Nevada since January 2, 2023. He previously served as Sheriff of Clark County (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department) after a career with LVMPD. He earned a B.S. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and an M.S. in Crisis Management from UNLV (2006), and served in the U.S. Army and the Nevada National Guard.
SourcesShowHide
gov.nv.goven.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgjoelombardofornv.comes.wikipedia.orgsengov.comknpr.orgczech.wikinsla.nv.govapnews.combiography.wikijagranjosh.comwisevoter.comclarkcountynv.govofa.nv.govlombardoagenda.comnevadaappeal.comkolotv.comthenevadaindependent.comreviewjournal.comgreatbasinsun.compbs.orgclimate.nv.govapmreports.orgvegaschamber.comrgj.comcbsnews.comnevadacurrent.comnpr.org8newsnow.comktnv.comfox5vegas.comtruthout.orgthehill.comcaliforniaglobe.comwashingtonreporter.newsfacebook.comendorse.joelombardofornv.comx.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgballotready.orgcongress.govzh.wikipedia.orgnga.orgru.wikipedia.orggovinfo.govnews.ballotpedia.orgdocquery.fec.govrosen.senate.govjudiciary.senate.govncsl.orgfec.gov
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports no new broad tax increases for Nevada, favors reducing the tax burden on businesses (including lowering the modified business tax and other business taxes), and has pursued temporary tax relief measures such as suspending the state gas tax while using budget surpluses for one‑time investments. Emphasizes pro‑business, deregulatory policies and workforce/economic diversification to grow revenue rather than raising taxes. Has vetoed proposed tax increases while advancing business tax cuts and incentives.
Healthcare
Supports strengthening and expanding Medicaid services and access to care through state actions (behavioral health investments, workforce initiatives, and creation of a Nevada Health Authority) and has urged protection of Medicaid expansion funding from federal cuts. He also vetoed an IVF coverage mandate citing concerns about unfunded Medicaid costs.
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Immigration & Border
Joe Lombardo emphasizes enforcement-first immigration policies: he opposes sanctuary cities, has promoted deportations tied to his record as sheriff, has expressed support for state-level border security measures (including backing razor wire actions by Texas), and has authorized/supports National Guard assistance for federal immigration enforcement. His public statements and actions prioritize removal of undocumented immigrants who commit crimes and strengthening border control.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate describes himself as personally pro-life but supports Nevada’s existing law allowing abortion up to 24 weeks, opposes a federal ban, and has acted to uphold and protect state-level abortion access while vetoing legislation he said would infringe on Nevadans’ rights. He has signed or allowed protections that limit state cooperation with out-of-state prosecutions and vetoed bills he said conflicted with constitutional protections.
Climate & Energy
Supports development of clean and renewable energy and launched a state Climate Innovation Plan while also emphasizing a ‘‘diverse energy supply portfolio’’ that includes natural gas and withdrawing Nevada from the U.S. Climate Alliance. Policy messaging stresses balancing clean-energy deployment with energy reliability and economic considerations.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports broad Second Amendment rights and opposes many new gun restrictions. Says he will veto laws that ban ghost-gun components, opposes limits on magazine capacity, and seeks to scale back Nevada’s red flag law while supporting law-enforcement measures. Endorses efficient background checks limited to keeping guns away from criminals and people with serious mental-health issues rather than broader gun-control measures.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedSep 2, 2026
Joe Lombardo is in the news mainly because his 2026 Nevada governor re-election race is shaping up to be highly competitive. Recent reports say he has a big fundraising lead over Democrat Aaron Ford, but Democrats are actively targeting the race and analysts still see it as one of the tightest in the country. He also drew attention at a Trump rally in Nevada, where a moment of silence he led for a fallen Las Vegas police officer was briefly booed by the crowd.
gov.nv.gov+51
Articles
RGReno Gazette-Journal2 months ago
Lombardo dominates money-wise in race against Ford for Nevada governor
Positive
FNFox News2 months ago
Nevada Lt. Gov.: Elon Musk could make space tourism state's next big industry
Neutral
PNPBS News3 months ago
Nevada is set to have one of nation's premier races for governor as Democrats seek to reclaim seat
Neutral
WEWashington Examiner2 months ago
state run as polls show support dipping
Neutral
Latest Polls
Nevada Governor winner?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Joe Lombardo currently averages 45.9%, ranking first in this race, 5.0 points ahead of the nearest opponent.
Polling average: 45.9%Position: firstMargin: +5.0 ptsLatest poll: 42.0% (Sep 5 - 8)Polls included: 12
Average recalculated from polls through Sep 5 - 8.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising