Nevada governor and desert racer Joe Lombardo’s reelection bid has failed.

Several outlets like NBC, The New York Times, and Associated Press have called Nevada’s gubernational election in favor of Democratic candidate and state attorney general Aaron Ford. As of this article’s publication, 88% of the vote has been counted with 51.7% going to Ford versus 44.2% for Lombardo.

Previously the sheriff of Clark County, Lombardo won his ticket to Carson City in 2022 when he defeated incumbent Steve Sisolak. He was the only GOP candidate that year candidate to flip a blue governorship that year.

During his term, he positioned himself as a moderate Republican while staying friendly with Donald Trump. Lombardo touted working alongside the blue Nevada Legislature to increase public funding for healthcare and housing, while vetoing a record number of bills he opposed that were passed by Democratic lawmakers.

The president endorsed Lombardo in both the 2022 and 2026 elections. Ahead of the election rush, Trump tweeted in support of him (mirror):

Joe Lombardo is the strong and very popular Governor of Nevada, a very special place to me in that we had a BIG Presidential Election Win on November 5, 2024!

As the former Sheriff of Clark County, and brave U.S. Army Veteran, Joe strongly supports our incredible Law Enforcement, Military, and Veterans, and knows the Wisdom and Courage it takes to Promote LAW AND ORDER. As Governor, he is fighting tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote NO TAX ON TIPS, Advance MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Provide Access to Affordable Health Care, Champion School Choice, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Joe’s opponent, Aaron Ford, is a Radical Left Democrat who wants massive Tax Increases, Open Borders, Men playing in Women’s Sports, and Transgender Mutilization of your Children. Aaron Ford is Reckless, Radical, and Dangerous!

Joe Lombardo is SMART, STRONG, AND TOUGH, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election. GET OUT AND VOTE FOR JOE — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!

In opposition, Ford campaigned on the governor’s vetoes and tying Lombardo to Trump, the latter pinning the state’s issues on both figures. Nationwide resentment of the current executive has spiked since Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, culminating in substantial Democratic gains during Tuesday’s midterms; the GOP also lost the state capitols in Georgia, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas.

Nevada typically takes longer to count votes due to state law that mandates tallies remain unpublished until the final voter in line can cast their vote, often well after the closing hour. As such, the results didn’t trickle in until past midnight.

Lombardo conceded on Wednesday morning:

This morning, I called Attorney General Aaron Ford to congratulate him on his victory.

Whether you cast your vote for me or Attorney General Ford, we are all Nevadans, and our shared future is far more important than the differences of any one election. The campaign is behind us, and now is the time to come together.

As we prepare for a transition in leadership, I hope Nevadans will move forward with a renewed sense of purpose, united by our love for this state and our shared belief in its future.

Four years ago, we set out to make a difference for Nevada. I am incredibly proud of the progress we made, the principles we stood for, and the work we accomplished together. Serving as your Governor has been the honor of my lifetime.

I am forever grateful to the people of Nevada for placing their trust in me and to my family for standing beside me throughout nearly 40 years of public service as a police officer, sheriff, and governor.

Nevada’s greatest days are still ahead. May we never give up, never give in, and never stop dreaming.

God bless Nevada.

Lombardo has long been a part of COPS Racing Team, who fields a Trophy Truck Spec and Class 1 on both sides of the border. The team was founded by the late John Langley, who created the Fox show Cops and on which he and Lombardo became acquainted. He was the driver of record for SCORE races like the 2018 Baja 1000, where his #251 finished 17th in Trophy Truck Spec, while retiring from the 2017 Baja 500 and 2019 San Felipe 250. Although mainly a truck driver, Lombardo also did the 2016 San Felipe 250 in a Class 10.

He won the 2018 San Felipe Desert Mayhem as the only finisher in TT Spec.

At the 2021 Mint 400, held six months after Langley’s death, Lombardo was the grand marshal before competing in the #251. He placed ninth in Unlimited Truck Spec.

He’s also raced Spec trucks for Probable Cause Racing alongside Michael Halverson in BITD. Ahead of the 2022 election cycle, their Brenthel was adorned with “Joe Lombardo for Governor” decals. Even after he entered office, the two teamed up again for the 2023 Mint 400; they ended the Unlimited Race 14th in class after dealing with broken limit straps and changing a driveshaft.

Featured image credit: via Joe Lombardo