Joe Lombardo wins Nevada governor’s race

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - Republican Joe Lombardo is projected by the Associated Press to win the Nevada governor’s race.

The Clark County Sheriff put out a victory statement Friday, saying “Our victory is a victory for all Nevadans who want our state to get back on track. It’s a victory for small business owners, for parents, for students, and for law enforcement. It’s a victory for all Nevadans who believe that our best and brightest days are ahead of us.”

Gov. Steve Sisolak issued a statement earlier in the evening conceding the race for Nevada’s top job.

In statement released just before 5:30 Friday night the governor said, ”It appears we will fall a percentage point or so short of winning.”

The Democrat said this was not the outcome he had hoped for, but believed in the election system. The governor pointed to his work in Nevada during the pandemic where he shut down businesses and schools throughout the state.

“I also am proud that we made the tough decisions during COVID that helped save an estimated 30,000 Nevada lives even if those decisions sometimes had tough political ramifications.”

Sisolak asked Nevadans to work together, and continue to take the state forward.

“I reached out to the Sheriff to wish him success.”