Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo Defends Limited Role in Inflation Amid Campaign

Governor Joe Lombardo told voters that Nevada has little power to lower grocery prices, inflation or other household costs, dismissing promises to do so as "bullshit." He highlighted his record of nearly 100,000 new jobs, $6 billion in private investment and more than $1 billion for attainable housing, while critics noted the housing plan would address only about 5,000 of the roughly 80,000 affordable units needed. Lombardo also vetoed legislation on paid family leave, free school meals, prescription‑drug pricing and tenant protections, arguing that national economic policy, not state action, drives inflation.

During a campaign event in Las Vegas, former President Donald Trump praised Nevada Republican candidates and touted tax cuts, tariffs and the Thacker Pass lithium mine. Lombardo appeared onstage, defended Trump’s ties to wealthy business owners, and warned that Democrats were pushing socialism. The governor is seeking reelection against Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford in one of the nation’s most competitive gubernatorial races, with affordability expected to dominate the contest.