A new report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that on Joe Lombardo’s watch, Nevada’s unemployment rate in January remained the highest in the nation and has increased yet again. Since January 2024, Nevada’s unemployment has increased .5% and is higher today than when Lombardo took office in 2023 and higher than at any time in 2022 when he was running for higher office. Another recent report released by the BLS found that in 2024, under Lombardo, Nevada averaged a nearly 6% unemployment rate, the highest in the nation. Throughout Lombardo’s term, Nevada’s unemployment rate has failed to reach pre-pandemic levels and has again risen to be the highest in the nation. 

While on the campaign trail, Lombardo said the governor could “control” Nevada’s unemployment rate, yet since taking office he has done little while Nevadans struggle to find work Lombardo made the unemployment rate a central part of his campaign and has failed to own the fact that under him, Nevada had one of the lowest job growth rates in the nation.

Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Tai Sims: 

“Today, Nevada’s unemployment rate is higher than it was when Joe Lombardo took office and is the worst in the nation. Under Lombardo, unemployment and food insecurity continue to rise while the cost of housing and health care become more expensive, yet he consistently blocked efforts to lower costs for Nevadans struggling in his poor economy – including vetoing legislation that would have lowered housing and prescription drugs costs and guaranteed school meals for every student.”