Joe Lombardo Launches Reelection Campaign: A Glimpse into His Vision and Challenges Ahead
On Monday evening, September 15, 2025, at his alma mater, Rancho High School, Republican Governor Joe Lombardo officially launched his reelection campaign, addressing an enthusiastic crowd. Lightheartedly, he referred to his campaign kick-off as the “worst kept secret,” a nod to the anticipation surrounding his return to the forefront of Nevada politics.
Support from Key Figures
Lombardo’s campaign event showcased support from notable allies. Latin Chamber of Commerce CEO Peter Guzman and former Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison stood by his side, both reinforcing the governor’s position as a bulwark against what they termed the Democrats’ “radical agenda.” Hutchison highlighted Lombardo’s pivotal role in Carson City, claiming that the governor has been the “last line of defense for us as Nevadans,” pivotal in maintaining a multi-party system in the state.
Hutchison pointed to Lombardo’s impressive record of 87 vetoes during the last legislative session, surpassing the 75 he executed in 2023. This statistic was particularly resonant among the construction union members in attendance, as Hutchison argued that without Lombardo’s leadership, Nevada would be facing higher taxes and a compromised election process.
Lombardo’s Campaign Messaging
As Lombardo took the stage, he articulated what his opponents’ return to power could mean for Nevada: “fewer jobs, boys in girls’ sports, and more soft-on-crime laws.” This statement underscored his commitment to job creation and crime prevention, issues crucial to his constituents’ interests.
While he acknowledged the high number of vetoes as indicative of “bad government,” he firmly asserted that he would not back down from his responsibilities. Lombardo declared, “I’m proud of what we have advanced, but don’t think for a second I’m not absolutely ready to be your backstop against the agenda of my opponents.”
Political Landscape and Support
In an environment that appears to be leaning Republican according to the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, Lombardo comes into this race as a frontrunner. His current approval rating stands at 53%, significantly surpassing the 32% disapproval rate, as reported by Morning Consult. Following his campaign kick-off, the Assembly Republican Caucus swiftly endorsed Lombardo, emphasizing his leadership in setting Nevada on a path to prosperity.
The support from the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) was palpable, with members donning orange shirts, as union Secretary Treasurer Tommy White expressed a desire for “jobs, jobs, jobs,” alongside ambitious plans for economic development, including a proposed movie studio in Summerlin.
Democratic Counteractions
Notably, Nevada Democrats were proactive on the same day, launching their counter-narrative. State Senator Dina Neal and Nevada Young Democrats President Sierra Hernandez criticized Lombardo, citing ongoing issues like the housing crisis and unemployment rate, which Lombardo himself called “unacceptable.” They questioned his effectiveness, urging voters to consider the rising costs of living and its impact on small businesses.
Mothership Coffee CEO Juanny Romero shared her experiences, detailing how the ongoing economic challenges, in part driven by national policies, were impacting her business’s bottom line. “How long can we keep this up?” she asked, resonating with concerns across the small business community against the backdrop of the governor’s campaign launch.
Lombardo’s Economic Focus
Addressing the state’s 5.4% unemployment rate, Lombardo vowed to continue investing in workforce training and innovative solutions aimed at matching job-seekers with private sector demands. This commitment to economic revitalization formed a core tenet of his campaign rhetoric.
Lombardo also set the stage for a broader political strategy, urging his supporters to assist in reshaping the legislative makeup of Nevada, which is currently dominated by Democrats. His previous year’s success in preventing a Democratic supermajority, which could have nullified his vetoes, is a testament to the strategic position he seeks to maintain.
Preparing for the Road Ahead
As both parties gear up for the ensuing electoral battle, Lombardo’s campaign serves as a prism reflecting the larger political tensions in Nevada. With the governor aiming to fortify his position against emerging challenges from the Democratic side, the upcoming months will undoubtedly present a dynamic landscape of political discourse, voter sentiment, and tactical maneuvers as both sides strive for control of the governor’s office.