Nevada Governor-elect Joe Lombardo speaks with supporters at Rancho High School Monday, Nov. 14, 2022. Lombardo beat incumbent Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak.
Monday, Jan. 2, 2023 | 1:49 p.m.
Republican Joe Lombardo is officially the Nevada governor, as the former Clark County Sheriff took the oath of office this morning to become the 31st governor in state history.
At a small swearing-in ceremony inside the Nevada Capitol, Nevada Supreme Court Justice Lidia Stiglich administered the oath to Lombardo, as well as new Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony, Nevada Controller Andy Matthews and incoming Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, as well as Nevada Treasurer Zach Conine, who a began a second term.
The only state executive not sworn in at the ceremony was Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, who will take his oath at a separate ceremony later Monday.
After reciting the oath, Lombardo, flanked by First Lady Donna Lombardo, signed the Certificate of Election officially swearing him in as governor, while congratulating the others assuming office as well.
“I’m looking forward to a wonderful term,” Lombardo, 60, said.
Another separate ceremony open to the public will be noon Tuesday at the Carson City Community Center — a day later than usual as the state is celebrating the New Year’s Day holiday on Monday.
Lombardo bested Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak in November’s general election, riding a wave of overwhelming support in the state’s rural counties and solid turnout from voters in and around Las Vegas and Reno to take the governor’s mansion by about 1.5%, or about 15,000 votes.
He will have to navigate Democratic majorities in both legislative chambers to enact his priorities, especially in regards to campaign promises like education and economic reform.
In the Nov. 8 general election, Democrats won a 28-14 supermajority in the Nevada Assembly and a 13-8 edge in the Nevada Senate. Any legislation that makes it to Lombardo’s desk will need bipartisanship support or else risk being vetoed.
