Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has secured the endorsement of the Clark County Education Association (CCEA) for his reelection campaign, marking a significant departure from his previous stance as a proponent of school choice. The CCEA, the largest and fastest-growing teachers’ union in the United States, commended Lombardo for his approval of $2.5 billion in new education funding and substantial pay raises for teachers. Lombardo expressed his gratitude, calling the endorsement an “honor.”
In the lead-up to his election, Lombardo positioned himself as a champion of school choice, collaborating with figures like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and rallying parents against the education establishment. His campaign website declared, “Our education system is failing our students and teachers, and systemic change is long overdue.” Lombardo’s commitment included plans to implement school choice initiatives aimed at empowering Nevada families.
While winning the election on a pro-school choice platform, Lombardo’s actions since taking office have raised eyebrows among his previous supporters. He has faced challenges in advancing his agenda, particularly with a Democratic-controlled legislature. Despite these obstacles, Lombardo opted to align himself with the CCEA and Democratic leaders, compromising his initial promises to school choice advocates.
Shifts in Education Policy and Union Relations
Lombardo’s strategy became evident before the start of the 2023 legislative session when he proposed education funding that aligned with CCEA demands, neglecting the interests of his school choice supporters. Critics argue that this move undermined his leverage and the opportunity to build a coalition of parents advocating for educational reform.
Throughout the 2025 legislative session, Lombardo’s focus on school choice appeared diminished. His highlight for the year, the promotion of open enrollment, was essentially a rebranding of an existing program. According to the Clark County School District, the “Change of School Assignment (COSA)” process will now be known as “Open Enrollment,” though the fundamental procedures remain unchanged.
In contrast, Lombardo’s agreement with the CCEA yielded more substantial results for the union. He signed legislation permitting teachers to strike at individual schools, a departure from previous regulations that rendered sickouts illegal. This change is expected to enhance the union’s negotiating power, potentially resulting in increased costs for taxpayers without guaranteeing improvements in educational outcomes.
Some observers have pointed out that simply injecting more funding into a flawed system does not address the root issues. The long-term implications of these policy shifts could mirror past trends in Nevada, where previous Republican governors who won second terms successfully pushed for record tax increases. While Lombardo has pledged not to raise taxes, skepticism remains among parents who feel misled by his evolving education policies.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the dynamics of Lombardo’s relationship with the CCEA and his approach to education reform will be closely monitored. The extent to which he can balance the interests of various stakeholders could define not only his administration but also the future of education in Nevada.
