In 2022, Joe Lombardo was the only Republican to defeat an incumbent Democratic governor. In 2026, he’s seeking to ensure that Nevada stays in GOP hands, and he’s using a playbook similar to the one he used to oust Gov. Steve Sisolak (D., Nev.) four years ago.
Lombardo spent years as a the Sheriff of Clark County, and he leaned heavily on his background in public safety in order to defeat Sisolak. As the Washington Reporter has previously covered, Lombardo has expanded his campaign stump speech to cover Nevada’s transportation, health care, and education sectors as well, arguing that the Silver State needs at least four more years of Republican governance to continue the progress he’s made.
But Lombardo’s legacy as a sheriff remains his bread and butter, and it paid off in a big way when Democratic Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson endorsed Lombardo over Nevada’s Democratic Attorney General, Aaron Ford.
“I’ve known Joe Lombardo for 30 years,” Wolfson said, explaining why he bucked his party in its top priority in his home state this year. “I’m a Democrat, and he’s a Republican, but that has never mattered when it comes to public safety. We’ve worked together to put violent criminals away and keep them there. We’ve gone after domestic abusers, drug dealers, and human traffickers, and we’ve made our schools safer for kids and teachers. I’ve always put people and results ahead of party politics, and as both Sheriff and Governor, Joe has always done the same. I’m proud to support Joe Lombardo.”
Lombardo and Wolfson spent years working together in their Clark County roles, helping to explain why Wolfson decided to buck his party and back the governor.
For his part, Lombardo is eager to have his friend’s support. “I’m proud to have the support of Steve Wolfson,” he said following the endorsement. “For years we’ve worked together to hold criminals accountable, crack down on domestic violence and sexual abuse, and seek justice for victims of crime. Steve and I may have different party labels, but when it comes to keeping our community safe, we always stand together. I’m grateful to have Steve’s trust and support as we keep working to make Nevada the safest place to live, work, and raise a family.”
