A Governor's Feast While Nevada Starves: The Shameful Priority of Power Over People

The Facts: The Harsh Reality Facing Nevadans

Nevada is experiencing a devastating multi-front crisis that threatens the basic wellbeing of its citizens. Nearly half a million Nevadans are struggling with reduced federal food assistance benefits, while approximately 100,000 face the prospect of becoming unable to afford health insurance due to expiring premium tax credits. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has caused job losses and unpaid wages across the state.

Healthcare costs are projected to skyrocket, with Nevadans who get their insurance through the Affordable Care Act potentially seeing premiums increase by 26%. The New York Times reported that a 60-year-old couple in Nevada could face annual premium increases of $18,100. Meanwhile, the state’s tourism industry is suffering, with Las Vegas visitation plunging 8.8% in September—the ninth consecutive month of decline this year.

Amid this crisis, Governor Joe Lombardo is attending a $5,000-a-plate fundraiser in Washington, D.C., hosted by former Republican Governors Association Executive Director Phil Cox, who has historically opposed expanded Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. This marks the second time in recent months that Lombardo has prioritized political events over state emergencies, having previously missed a news conference about a cyberattack on state systems to attend a campaign event.

State lawmakers are awaiting word on when Lombardo will schedule a special legislative session to address the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding crisis. Attorney General Aaron Ford has successfully sued the Trump administration over suspended SNAP payments, while other Democratic leaders have criticized Lombardo’s response to the crisis.

Opinion: The Moral Failure of Leadership in Crisis

What we are witnessing in Nevada is nothing short of a moral catastrophe in leadership. While hundreds of thousands of citizens face food insecurity, healthcare unaffordability, and economic uncertainty, their governor chooses to dine with wealthy donors at $5,000 per plate. This isn’t just poor timing—it’s a fundamental failure of moral responsibility and democratic representation.

The very essence of public service requires leaders to prioritize the needs of their constituents, especially during times of crisis. Governor Lombardo’s decision to attend this fundraiser while his state suffers demonstrates a profound disconnect from the human suffering occurring in Nevada communities. How can a leader effectively address food insecurity and healthcare affordability while rubbing shoulders with those who can drop $5,000 on a single meal?

This pattern of prioritizing political ambition over public service is particularly alarming given Lombardo’s history. His absence during the cyberattack crisis and now during this multi-faceted economic emergency reveals a consistent pattern of putting personal political advancement before the needs of Nevada citizens. The fact that his fundraiser is hosted by Phil Cox—a known opponent of healthcare expansion and the Affordable Care Act—adds insult to injury for the 100,000 Nevadans facing healthcare cost increases.

True leadership demands presence, compassion, and urgent action during crises. It requires canceling fundraising events to address emergencies, showing up for press conferences about critical state issues, and demonstrating through action that public service means serving the public—not wealthy donors. Nevada deserves leaders who will fight for affordable healthcare, ensure food security, and prioritize the wellbeing of all citizens over political fundraising. This moment should serve as a wake-up call about what values we truly prioritize in our elected officials.