Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill just threw his support behind Governor Joe Lombardo for reelection — and it’s not a surprise. These two spent eight years working side by side in law enforcement before Lombardo moved to the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City.
“I worked shoulder to shoulder with Governor Joe Lombardo for 8 years — he is the leader Nevada needs,” McMahill said.
“He’s made public safety a top priority by signing major reforms to crack down on violent crime, drug trafficking, DUI offenders, and crimes against vulnerable populations. These reforms give our women and men in uniform the tools to make our communities safer. Governor Lombardo understands what we need because he’s lived it as Sheriff, and I’m proud to endorse him for re-election.”
That’s not a politician talking. That’s a cop who’s seen it firsthand.
Why This Endorsement Matters
Lombardo isn’t just another governor who talks tough on crime. He spent more than 30 years in law enforcement — including serving as Clark County Sheriff himself. He knows what officers need on the street because he used to be one of them.
That background matters when you’re signing legislation. It’s the difference between someone reading a briefing paper and someone who’s actually been in the patrol car.
Lombardo responded to the endorsement with equal respect.
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of Sheriff Kevin McMahill and proudly stand with the men and women in uniform who work every day to keep Clark County safe,” the Governor said.
“Sheriff McMahill has been a trusted partner in our administration’s efforts to crack down on crime, strengthen public safety, and ensure residents and the millions of visitors who come to Las Vegas feel safe and secure.”
Real Results on the Street
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Under Lombardo’s watch, Nevada has seen real, measurable drops in crime:
- 9% decrease in murders
- 26% decline in robberies
- 15% drop in burglaries
- 10% overall reduction in violent crime statewide.
Those aren’t talking points. Those are lives protected, and neighborhoods made safer.
Lombardo pushed through two major pieces of legislation to get there. His Crime Reduction Act in 2023 and the Nevada Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act in 2025 delivered what his office calls the most comprehensive public safety reforms in decades.
The laws targeted violent criminals, drug dealers, and repeat DUI offenders — and reversed the soft-on-crime policies that had been letting dangerous people back onto Nevada’s streets.
He also delivered a double-digit pay increase for law enforcement officers across the state. That’s how you recruit good cops and keep them.
Growing Blue Wall of Support
McMahill’s endorsement doesn’t stand alone. A long list of law enforcement associations has already lined up behind Lombardo, including the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, the Nevada Police Union, the Reno and Sparks Police Protective Associations, the Peace Officer Research Association of Nevada, and more than a dozen others.
When that many badge-and-uniform organizations get behind one candidate, it tells you something.
What Comes Next
The 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a battle between Lombardo’s record of results and Attorney General Aaron Ford’s very different vision for Nevada. Ford has been a consistent critic of law enforcement priorities and has his own record to defend.
If public safety is your issue — and for most Nevadans it is — this endorsement is a meaningful signal about which candidate the people actually doing the job trust most.
Nevada’s heading in the right direction.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
