The Unexpected Return?
Former Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak (D) is considering another run for the state’s top office. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Sisolak said:
“I’m not ruling it out — I’m looking into it. I’ve been encouraged by a lot of people to run again, and I’m considering it.”
This surprising announcement comes just over two years after Nevada voters showed him the door. In 2022, Sisolak was one of the only incumbent Democrats nationwide to lose his seat during the midterm elections, when current Governor Joe Lombardo (R) defeated him by more than a percentage point.
Waiting on Legislative Results
Sisolak isn’t rushing to decide. He told reporters he would:
“wait and see what happens as we go through the next few months of the Legislature.”
He seems particularly interested in how many bills Governor Lombardo might veto during the current session, pointing out that Lombardo vetoed more than 50 bills during his last term.
The former governor also addressed Attorney General Aaron Ford’s (D) recent announcement about running for governor in 2026. Sisolak diplomatically said:
“That’s a big decision. It’s something that I hope he thought through and decided with his family and he’ll make the decision that feels is best for him.”
Why Conservatives Should Pay Attention
For voters who value limited government, Sisolak’s potential return raises red flags. During his term, many Nevadans felt his COVID-19 policies went too far. His emergency declaration stretched from weeks into years with little legislative oversight. Business closures, mask mandates, and restrictions on religious gatherings all raised questions about government overreach.
Recent comments suggest Sisolak stands by these decisions. He told reporters he has “no regrets” about his pandemic policies, stating:
“I wouldn’t change anything that we did.”
The Economic and Social Aftermath
Nevada faced some of the nation’s worst unemployment during Sisolak’s pandemic response. The state unemployment system collapsed under the weight of claims from workers who suddenly found themselves jobless due to shutdown orders.
Housing prices soared while local families struggled. Mental health issues and domestic violence increased during lockdown periods. Schools reported learning losses and more student mental health crises.
Many conservatives see these outcomes as the direct result of top-down government control that ignored the real-world impacts of sweeping executive orders.
An Uphill Battle
Sisolak would face significant challenges in a comeback attempt. Current Governor Lombardo enjoys strong approval ratings, with recent Morning Consult polling showing a +23 net approval.
In a statement, Better Nevada PAC spokesman John Burke said:
“When it comes to corrupt politicians who want to make us more woke, the Nevada Democrat Party seems to have an embarrassment of riches these days. Whether it’s Steve Sisolak or Aaron Ford, Nevada Democrats have nothing to offer our state but failed policies and corruption.”
Sisolak would need to convince voters to overlook their previous rejection of his leadership style. In 2022, Lombardo earned 491,314 votes (48.8%) to Sisolak’s 477,349 (47.4%). That election was widely seen as a referendum on Sisolak’s handling of the pandemic and his approach to governance.
Burke said:
“Nevadans support Governor Lombardo’s common sense leadership, that’s why they’ll vote for him again in 2026.”
What This Means for You
For folks who believe government should have clear boundaries, Sisolak’s potential return matters a lot. His comeback would likely spark fresh debates about executive power during emergencies and how much control one elected official should have.
Think about what happened last time. One man’s decisions affected businesses, churches, schools, and families across Nevada. Many are still dealing with those effects today.
If you care about limited government, stay informed about the developing campaign. Talk with your neighbors about the importance of constitutional limits. Remember what happened under Sisolak’s leadership when you head to the polls.
The next governor’s race may seem far off, but the conversation starts now. For those who believe in limited government, your voice and your vote will help decide Nevada’s future path.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
