Joe Lombardo

Joe Lombardo
Name	Joe Lombardo
Office	31st Governor of Nevada
Term start	January 2, 2023
Lieutenant	Stavros Anthony
Predecessor	Steve Sisolak
Office1	Sheriff of the Clark County Sheriff's Department
Term start1	January 5, 2015
Term end1	January 2, 2023
Predecessor1	Doug Gillespie
Successor1	Kevin McMahill
Birth date	November 8, 1962
Birth place	Fort Madison, Iowa, U.S.
Party	Republican
Spouse	Donna
Education	University of Nevada, Las Vegas (BS)
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army
Serviceyears	1981–1986
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	82nd Airborne Division

Joe Lombardo is an American politician and former law enforcement officer serving as the 31st Governor of Nevada since January 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the elected Sheriff of the Clark County Sheriff's Department from 2015 to 2023. Lombardo's career spans military service, decades in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and a successful gubernatorial campaign against incumbent Steve Sisolak.

Early life and education

Joe Lombardo was born on November 8, 1962, in Fort Madison, Iowa. His family later relocated to Nevada, where he attended high school in the Las Vegas Valley. Following his graduation, Lombardo enlisted in the United States Army, serving with the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division and attaining the rank of Sergeant. After completing his military service, he utilized the G.I. Bill to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Military and law enforcement career

Lombardo's professional path was firmly established in public safety. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Army, he joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) in 1988. He rose through the ranks over a 25-year career, holding positions including patrol officer, detective, and lieutenant. His service included assignments in the Organized Crime Bureau, the Special Investigations Section, and command of the Convention Center Area Command. In 2014, he was elected Sheriff of the Clark County Sheriff's Department, the largest law enforcement agency in Nevada, and was re-elected in 2018. His tenure oversaw the department's response to the 2017 Las Vegas shooting and initiatives in community policing.

Political career

Lombardo's transition into electoral politics was a direct extension of his law enforcement leadership. As the high-profile Sheriff of Clark County, he built a statewide reputation. In June 2021, he announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Governor of Nevada. He secured the nomination after a competitive primary, defeating candidates including Joey Gilbert and John Lee. In the 2022 Nevada gubernatorial election, he defeated the Democratic incumbent, Steve Sisolak, in a closely watched race that was a focal point of the 2022 United States elections.

Governor of Nevada

Joe Lombardo was inaugurated as the 31st Governor of Nevada on January 2, 2023. His administration has focused on issues such as economic development, public safety, and education reform. Key early actions included signing executive orders on regulatory review and joining the American Governors' Border Strike Force. He presented a state budget prioritizing K-12 education funding and infrastructure, while also vetoing several bills passed by the Nevada Legislature, including measures related to gun control and minimum wage. His tenure has involved navigating a politically divided government with a Democratic-controlled Nevada State Senate and Nevada Assembly.

Political positions

Lombardo identifies as a conservative Republican, though he has described himself as a pragmatist. He is generally supportive of lower taxes and has expressed opposition to new broad-based tax increases. On education, he advocates for increased school choice options, including expanding charter schools. Regarding public safety, his platform emphasizes support for law enforcement and addressing fentanyl trafficking. He has taken a moderate stance on some social issues, notably vetoing a bill that would have protected access to abortion in state law following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, while stating he would not seek further restrictions beyond existing statute.

Personal life

Joe Lombardo is married to his wife, Donna, and they have two adult children. He is a longtime resident of the Las Vegas area. His personal interests and community involvement have often been connected to his law enforcement background, and he is a member of several professional associations including the Major County Sheriffs of America. He maintains a residence in Carson City while serving as governor.

Category:1962 births Category:Governors of Nevada Category:Nevada Republicans Category:Clark County Sheriffs Category:University of Nevada, Las Vegas alumni Category:United States Army soldiers