A note from Joe Lombardo

September 27, 2022

One of my favorite parts of running for governor has been getting to travel across the state and meet Nevadans from every walk of life. As I talk with folks in every corner of the state, I hear firsthand about their concerns. They tell me they’re worried about the price of gas, rent, and groceries. They tell me that they’re worried about their children’s education. They tell me they feel like our state is on the wrong track.

Recently, I’ve also talked many Nevadans who are concerned about abortion. They’ve talked to me about the frightening commercials they’ve seen from Steve Sisolak, and some are confused about what’s going on in our state. Sisolak’s ads are shameful and dishonest. And, sadly, Steve knows that what he’s saying is not true. Steve Sisolak does not respect you enough to tell you the truth.

You deserve a governor who tells you the truth, and it’s important to me that you know where I stand on this issue.

Abortion is protected by law in Nevada for up to 24 weeks.  That law was enacted by voters 30 years ago and only the people of Nevada could ever change that. No politician can change that law.

I do not support an abortion ban in Nevada and have never said I would support a ban. In fact, I have repeatedly said that I oppose a federal ban. Simply put, Nevada is unique in that our state law is already set, and that only you, the voters, can change it. I support that because I trust the voters of this state to make good decisions.  

I have always said that I support access to abortions in the case of rape, incest, and or when the life of the mother is in jeopardy. That has been my position since long before running for sheriff.

As I have said repeatedly, I support access to contraceptives in Nevada. I do not support any further restrictions on access to contraceptives, nor would I support a ban on contraceptives in Nevada.

Months ago, I said I would evaluate repealing an executive order that I believed at the time and continue to believe was nothing more than political theater.  Steve Sisolak is addicted to executive orders both to protect his power and score political points. I simply do not believe executive orders are meant to be permanent or should be used as a campaign tactic.

However, because there are efforts in other states that could impact Nevadans, I have made a commitment not to repeal that executive order until the legislature can make clear that Nevada is not going to prosecute women who seek an abortion or medical providers that perform legal abortions.

I am not running for Governor of California or Alabama; I cannot control what other states do, but I can continue to make it clear that we are not going to prosecute women for having an abortion in Nevada. Period.

As a career law enforcement officer, I can tell you that we do not assist with any other state investigation of an individual who came to Nevada to participate in an activity that is legal in Nevada, but not legal in their state of residence.

What is legal in Nevada is legal here, regardless of the law in any other state. We wouldn’t prosecute Utah residents that come to Nevada to gamble, even though gambling of any kind in Utah is illegal, and we won’t prosecute women from another state that seek a legal abortion in Nevada.

Like most Nevadans, I am a strong supporter of parental notification, and I believe the health and safety of minors is a critical component of any healthcare policy.

Not everyone will agree with my position, and I respect that reasonable people can disagree on public policy. Nevada voters spoke 30 years ago, and public sentiment remains the same – so Nevada law is settled and can only be changed by a vote of the people. No politician can change abortion law.

Steve Sisolak has consistently said he will expand access to abortion, but the truth is, he can’t do that even if he wants to. Only you can change abortion law to make it more, or less, restrictive. Sisolak knows that, but he doesn’t respect you enough to tell the truth.

No matter what your position on abortion, or any other issue, you deserve a governor that is honest, transparent, and respects you enough to always tell the truth.

-Joe