Steve Sisolak Considered Rematch Against Joe Lombardo in Nevada
2022 Elections Overview
In a surprising turn during the 2022 midterm elections, many Democrats outperformed expectations, managing to retain significant governorships and House seats while increasing their Senate majority. However, one notable outlier was Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak, who experienced a setback attributed largely to public dissatisfaction with the lockdown policies enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic challenges. While Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, a fellow Democrat, successfully secured reelection, Sisolak lost his position, making him the only Democratic governor to do so that year, with Joe Lombardo, a Republican, emerging victorious.
Sisolak’s Potential Comeback
As Democrats engage in introspection following their November losses, Sisolak is contemplating a return to the political arena with a possible challenge to Lombardo in the 2026 gubernatorial race. Lombardo, having previously served as the Clark County sheriff, has positioned himself as a staunch Republican against the Democratic majority in the Nevada Legislature and is set to seek reelection.
Insights on Current Administration
In a recent dialogue, Sisolak reflected on the changes in Nevada since leaving office, expressing concerns over Lombardo’s governance, citing his veto of over 50 bills during the last session. With the state’s economy facing hardships, Sisolak pointed out troubling trends, including a 15% decrease in flights from Canada and Mexico—a key marker for Nevada’s tourism—indicating a potential decline in disposable income for visitors.
Evaluating the Political Landscape
Addressing the broader implications of Trump-era policies, Sisolak criticized the impact of visa restrictions affecting international students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and layoffs among federal employees. He emphasized the human cost of such policies, stating, “What people need to understand is, these aren’t just numbers. These are jobs. These are families.”
Election Considerations and Local Sentiment
Sisolak shared insights on his potential candidacy, indicating that he has not ruled out a rematch with Lombardo and is currently gathering public sentiment through polling. Moreover, he acknowledged the aspirations of Aaron Ford, Nevada’s Democratic Attorney General, who has also expressed intentions to run for governor, stating that such decisions require careful consideration.
Reflections on COVID and Voter Sentiment
When discussing the backlash over his COVID-19 policies, Sisolak defended his decisions, focusing on the importance of public health. He remarked, “Our priorities were saving people’s lives, and that’s what we did,” acknowledging that voters, particularly in a state heavily reliant on tourism, were still grappling with high living costs and economic recovery.
Future Prospects
Sisolak contemplates whether lower voter satisfaction with current Republican leadership might naturally sway voters back to the Democratic Party in future elections. He expressed concern over economic volatility, noting its potential effects on public sentiment and political alignment in Nevada.