If you’ve ever been stuck waiting for help that never came, you know the frustration. That’s exactly how many Nevadans are feeling after the 2025 legislative session.
Despite some significant wins led by Governor Joe Lombardo, many important bills never made it across the finish line – all thanks to the Democrats in charge of the Nevada Legislature.
Governor Lombardo, a Republican, worked hard to push through common-sense reforms to help working families, protect communities, and clean up government.
But Democrats, who hold the majority in both the Assembly and Senate, played politics.
They blocked bill after bill – and real people are going to feel the pain. Here are just a few examples of what the Democrats stopped cold:
- Helping Parents with Child Care? Denied.
Governor Lombardo proposed a $12 million tax credit program to help open and support more child care centers across the state.
That would’ve helped working moms and dads find affordable care so they could keep their jobs and support their families.
Democrats blocked it.
No help for child care. No relief for parents.
- Tougher Laws on Smash-and-Grab Robberies? Nope.
We’ve all seen the viral videos – people brazenly looting stores in broad daylight.
Lombardo backed a bill to crack down on that kind of organized retail theft, as well as stronger penalties for drug dealers.
Democrats said no.
So the crime wave continues, and Nevada families are left wondering when it will hit their neighborhood.
- More Mental Health Support? Walked Away.
Nevada ranks near the bottom in the nation when it comes to mental health care.
Governor Lombardo pushed for expanded mental health investments and reforms to help folks struggling with addiction, anxiety, and other serious issues.
Democrats walked away.
That means fewer resources for the people who need help the most.
- Cleaning Up Corruption in Carson City? Blocked.
Lombardo backed reforms to tighten ethics rules and bring more transparency to how things get done in the state Capitol.
It was a direct shot at the “Favor Factory” in Carson City.
Democrats blocked it.
You have to wonder: what are they trying to hide?
- Stronger Penalties for Deadly DUIs? Rejected.
Lombardo pushed a bill to increase prison time for drivers who kill someone while under the influence. It seems like a no-brainer.
Democrats said no.
So the punishment still doesn’t fit the crime.
- More Scholarships for Low-Income Kids? Voted Down.
There was a chance to increase funding for Opportunity Scholarships – the ones that help low-income families choose better schools for their kids.
Democrats shut it down.
That’s a loss for kids who just want a shot at a better education.
- Protecting Women’s Sports? Not a Priority.
Governor Lombardo also supported a bill that would ensure fairness in girls’ and women’s sports by requiring athletes to compete based on their biological sex.
Democrats refused to act.
And that leaves young female athletes without a level playing field.
Governor Lombardo did score some victories this session – including progress on affordable housing and targeted education reform.
But with Democrats holding the gavel, many of his biggest plans were dead on arrival.
The folks at Better Nevada PAC put it bluntly: “Nevada Democrat legislators’ refusal to do their jobs for the people of our state has been on full display.”
And they’re not the only ones saying it.
Plenty of voters are starting to connect the dots between rising crime, failing schools, and a legislature that seems more focused on scoring political points than helping everyday people.
At the end of the day, voters get the final say. And come November 2026, Nevadans might just remember who showed up to work – and who didn’t.
