Conservatives Outraged: CCEA Endorses Lombardo, and They’re Losing Perspective.
Nevada conservatives are fuming. The Clark County Education Association (CCEA), representing over 18,000 educators, has officially endorsed Governor Joe Lombardo for his 2026 re-election campaign — and some on the right are calling him a “sellout.” The outrage says more about conservative short-sightedness than it does about Lombardo.
Historically, the CCEA has backed Democrats. They endorsed Steve Sisolak in 2018, and in 2022 they refused to endorse anyone — a silent rebuke to both parties. Now, they’ve gone a step further by throwing their support behind a Republican. Their reasoning? Results. They cited Lombardo’s collaboration on education reform, increased per-student funding, and higher teacher pay.
Let’s be honest — those aren’t left-wing talking points. They’re deliverables. Lombardo didn’t cave to the unions; they see the value he brings. Cause let’s be real, No one wants to deal with a 4 time Criminal who uses autopens signatures on lawsuits.
Lombardo’s Record on Education
Under Governor Lombardo, Nevada has seen:
- The largest increase in per-pupil funding in state history.
- Substantial raises for teachers and staff, helping address chronic shortages.
- A push for accountability and parental involvement in schools.
- Support for expanding school choice and charter opportunities while strengthening public education.
That’s not selling out — that’s leadership. Lombardo has managed to do something rare in politics: bridge divides and get results without compromising his core values.
The Broader Political Landscape
It’s also worth noting that major Republican county parties across Nevada have endorsed Joe Lombardo for re-election. Grassroots and establishment Republicans alike recognize that he’s the most electable conservative in the race and the only one capable of keeping the governor’s mansion out of Democratic hands.
His likely challenger? Attorney General Aaron Ford — a politician even many Democrats admit is a downgrade from Steve Sisolak. Ford has made a career out of political prosecutions and partisan posturing, not progress. And with whispers that former Governor Sisolak himself may be eyeing a comeback, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A Message to Conservatives
Conservatives need to stop mistaking progress for betrayal. Lombardo isn’t selling out, he’s building coalitions that win. Crying “RINO” every time a Republican gets something done is why the movement stagnates while Democrats quietly consolidate power.
Politics is the art of addition, not subtraction. Winning requires compromise, collaboration, and yes, sometimes making deals with groups who haven’t always been allies.
Lombardo’s CCEA endorsement doesn’t mean he’s gone soft. It means he’s effective. He’s earning support across the aisle by doing his job, improving Nevada’s schools, protecting students, and raising standards.
The truth is simple: you can’t fight for conservative values if you keep losing elections.
