2022 Nevada Governor Voters Guide
Joe Lombardo (R) vs Steve Sisolak (D)
The Candidates
Ban. Is “pro-life” except for “health of the mother, sexual assault, and incest.” But says “There’s nothing that I could really do” to change existing Nevada law allowing abortion up to 24 weeks, beyond bringing a ballot initiative “and hopefully people vote the position I feel.” Would repeal Sisolak order providing legal protection to out-of-state abortion patients, a stance he later softened on.
Legal. Would “continue protecting access to abortion.” After Roe v Wade was overturned, signed an executive order keeping information private for out-of-state patients who come from states where abortion is banned, to protect them from legal risk. Says if re-elected would seek to codify the order into law.
No position found.
Yes. In 2019 signed a bill setting a goal of “zero or near-zero emissions” by 2050. Passed a 2021 energy bill with “climate forward policies.” Nevada has “the highest number of solar panels per capita in the nation.”
Mixed. “Public education funding must stay in public schools.” However signed a bill increasing funding for public charters, free public schools that are privately run, and a bill restoring private school scholarship program funded by tax credits.
Opposes critical race theory, which teaches “kids to be ashamed of themselves.” The “existing education and curriculum that we, you and I, even generations before us had” is sufficient “for learning our history.”
Mixed. Supports the revised K-12 education funding formula passed by lawmakers in 2021, but also calls for a “comprehensive” audit of the existing system before deciding whether current funding, including teachers’ pay, is appropriate.
No. Opposes Nevada’s public health insurance option that goes into effect in 2026. As sheriff, implemented a COVID vaccine mandate for new hires, but not for existing employees. Would have shut down businesses at the outset of the pandemic, but would have opened them sooner. Calls Nevada’s mask mandate “political theater.”
Yes. Signed a bill establishing a state public health insurance option. Will join a multi-state prescription drug consortium to lower drug prices. Mandated COVID vaccines for state employees working with vulnerable populations.
Easier. Signed a bill to allow collective bargaining for state employees.
Limit. Supports Florida law limiting classroom discussion about sexual orientation. High school students should only compete in sports with members of the same biological sex.
Expand. Supports transgender youth. Signed bills that increased access to HIV healthcare and repealed laws that criminalized transmission of HIV. Called Florida bill limiting classroom discussion “hateful.”
Legal, since it is state law. In 2016, didn’t personally support medical or recreational marijuana but would enforce legalization. Supports cannabis consumption lounges, if they don’t sell alcohol.
No position found.
Raise. Signed a 2019 bill that raises the Nevada minimum wage by 75 cents each year beginning on January 1, 2020 until it reaches $12 per hour.
Would reverse “soft-on-crime policies” that make “it harder for the police to do their jobs.” Wants “more officers on the street” and “a multicultural advisory council.” Says police face “a lack of resources” to deal with problems of “people that are in distress,” such as mental illness and homelessness.
Signed bills that limit no-knock warrants and give the Attorney General more authority to investigate state and local agencies accused of discriminatory behavior. Raised State Police funding. “It’s critical that [Nevadans] trust that those charged with protecting them do so with integrity.”
No position found.
Yes, for specific groups. Signed a bill to expand loan forgiveness for health care professionals working in rural areas. Supports free tuition for community college students.
We have space to include only candidates polling 15% or more, but check out others including Brandon Davis (L).guides.vote is a nonpartisan effort to show where candidates stand, with links to credible sources. We do not support or oppose any political party or candidate for office. Vote411.org offers guides to local races