Republican Governor Receives Surprise Endorsement From State’s Largest Teachers Union

An influential union in Nevada is throwing its support behind the re-election of Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo.

The Clark County Education Association (CCEA), Nevada’s largest teachers union, announced on Monday it would endorse the Republican.

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Clark County Education Association,” Lombardo said.

“CCEA has partnered with me to deliver historic education funding, teacher raises, and unprecedented accountability reforms in our K-12 system. I’m excited to continue our progress together!” he added.

I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Clark County Education Association.

CCEA has partnered with me to deliver historic education funding, teacher raises, and unprecedented accountability reforms in our K-12 system.

I’m excited to continue our progress together! https://t.co/JFxyGnXU7C

— Joe Lombardo (@JoeLombardoNV) November 10, 2025

More from The Nevada Independent:

That’s a shift from the 2022 election cycle, when the Clark County Education Association (CCEA) declined to back Lombardo or then-incumbent Gov. Steve Sisolak (D), despite supporting him in the previous election cycle. The union’s backing of a Republican in a major race is indicative of its more maverick tendencies — it also endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris for president in 2024 and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) ahead of the state’s 2020 Democratic presidential primary.

In a Monday press release, the union cited bills passed in the Democrat-controlled Legislature over the past two sessions, some sponsored by Democratic lawmakers, that raised per-pupil funding and teacher pay and increased school accountability.

During the 2023 legislative session, the union worked with Lombardo on AB330, a bill that made it easier for schools to discipline students by rolling back part of a 2019 restorative justice bill.

“His leadership has helped pave the way to ensure all students have an opportunity to receive a quality education in Nevada,” said CCEA President Marie Neisess. “Working with CCEA has been a true partnership and he has earned to be elected for a second term in 2026.”

President Trump endorsed Lombardo for re-election last week.

“Thank you, @realDonaldTrump for your endorsement and for your leadership! I look forward to continuing my work to advance our conservative agenda and keep Nevada red!” Lombardo said.

Thank you, @realDonaldTrump for your endorsement and for your leadership!

I look forward to continuing my work to advance our conservative agenda and keep Nevada red! pic.twitter.com/jaxvT4sXIx

— Joe Lombardo (@JoeLombardoNV) November 6, 2025

KSNV noted:

Monday’s endorsement comes after the Nevada State Education Association (NSEA) threw its support behind Democratic candidate Aaron Ford.

“As Governor, Aaron Ford will continue to champion the investments our students deserve, including smaller class sizes, stronger schools, and real accountability for public dollars,” NSEA President Dawn Etcheverry said in a statement. “That’s why Nevada’s educators are proud to stand with him in this fight for our students and our schools.”