Four ways Election Day could change government in Nevada

While the race between Gov. Joe Lombardo and Attorney General Aaron Ford draws the most attention, the composition of the Nevada Legislature could dictate how the winner governs. For the past four years, Lombardo has faced Democratic majorities in both the Senate and Assembly that blocked Republican proposals, while he used his veto power to check Democratic-backed bills, rejecting 162 measures over two sessions.

Democrats currently hold 27 seats in the Assembly and 13 in the Senate, one seat short of the two-thirds supermajority needed in each chamber to override a governor's veto and pass tax increases. If they reach 28 Assembly seats and 14 Senate seats, they could enact their agenda without the governor's approval. With 53 of 63 legislative seats on the ballot and recent polling showing a tight gubernatorial race, the post-election landscape remains uncertain.

If Lombardo wins re-election and Democrats keep majorities but fall short of a supermajority, governance would likely resemble the last four years, marked by vetoes and negotiation. Lombardo said he would continue prioritizing the economy, health care, education, public safety and housing, noting that consensus requires give and take. Vote Nevada's Sondra Cosgrove predicted Lombardo would be less aggressive in a second term under the status quo.

A Ford victory with Republican legislative majorities would flip the dynamic, while a Lombardo win alongside a Democratic supermajority would strip the governor of most leverage. Lombardo acknowledged that checks and balances are part of the design of government and expressed hope he could reach agreements with lawmakers. Cosgrove said Democrats would have to think carefully before overriding vetoes, even with the votes to do so.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal