Who Is Running for Governor of Nevada in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Joe Lombardo
(Incumbent)Economy
HighGovernor Joe Lombardo advocates for reducing regulations for businesses and investing in workforce training to promote job growth. He has supported initiatives like approving tax abatements for Tesla's expansion and pushing lithium production to diversify Nevada's economy. Lombardo aims to address the state's unemployment rate and foster a stronger, more affordable Nevada for its residents.
Immigration
HighGovernor Joe Lombardo supports using the Nevada National Guard to aid federal immigration enforcement. He signed a criminal justice bill that expanded guardrails around immigration enforcement activities. This legislation also prohibits school districts from allowing immigration law enforcement access to school grounds or records without a warrant. Lombardo advocates for strategic enforcement, stating that the nation has a porous border and that individuals who have committed crimes should be removed. He also believes county sheriffs should determine their communities' immigration policies.
Healthcare
HighGovernor Joe Lombardo supports expanding healthcare supply to reduce costs and improve access. He introduced the Nevada Healthcare Access Act (SB 495), proposing $60 million for grants to address shortages and support residency programs. The bill also aims to streamline insurance authorization, prohibiting prior authorization for emergency services and establishing a 'gold card' program for high-performing providers. Lombardo has vetoed drug price cap bills, arguing they drive up costs.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Joe Lombardo |
|---|---|
| Economy | Governor Joe Lombardo advocates for reducing regulations for businesses and investing in workforce training to promote job growth. He has supported initiatives like approving tax abatements for Tesla's expansion and pushing lithium production to diversify Nevada's economy. Lombardo aims to address the state's unemployment rate and foster a stronger, more affordable Nevada for its residents. High |
| Immigration | Governor Joe Lombardo supports using the Nevada National Guard to aid federal immigration enforcement. He signed a criminal justice bill that expanded guardrails around immigration enforcement activities. This legislation also prohibits school districts from allowing immigration law enforcement access to school grounds or records without a warrant. Lombardo advocates for strategic enforcement, stating that the nation has a porous border and that individuals who have committed crimes should be removed. He also believes county sheriffs should determine their communities' immigration policies. High |
| Healthcare | Governor Joe Lombardo supports expanding healthcare supply to reduce costs and improve access. He introduced the Nevada Healthcare Access Act (SB 495), proposing $60 million for grants to address shortages and support residency programs. The bill also aims to streamline insurance authorization, prohibiting prior authorization for emergency services and establishing a 'gold card' program for high-performing providers. Lombardo has vetoed drug price cap bills, arguing they drive up costs. High |
| Climate & Energy | Governor Joe Lombardo’s "Nevada’s Climate Innovation Plan" focuses on energy production and economic development, aiming to mitigate environmental patterns while considering economic realities and national security. Lombardo stated his plan uses clean energy and efficiency to strengthen the state's future. It emphasizes a balanced energy approach, including continued natural gas use, to meet environmental objectives and keep costs low. However, critics claim his actions have weakened the state's climate plan. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Joe Lombardo identifies as "pro-life" and received an endorsement from the National Right to Life Committee. However, he has affirmed he will respect Nevada voters' 1990 decision to codify abortion rights up to 24 weeks. He signed legislation in 2023 to protect out-of-state abortion seekers from prosecution and prevents state agencies from assisting in related investigations. He believes abortion rights are "settled" law in Nevada. Medium |
| Foreign Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Education | Joe Lombardo champions "Opportunity Scholarships" and Education Savings Accounts to empower parents with alternatives to public schools. He signed a record education budget, securing $2 billion in funding and teacher pay raises. He also re-instituted the "read by grade three" program and signed a school safety bill into law. Additionally, he leads an initiative to amend the state constitution to block students born male from female sports. High |
| Gun Policy | Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed Assembly Bill 105 in 2025, which aimed to prohibit guns at election sites. He cited that the bill duplicated existing protections against voter intimidation and that individuals legally authorized to carry firearms should maintain that right on election day. He had also vetoed a similar bill during the 2023 legislative session. High |
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