Trump’s Push to End Mail-In Voting Puts Nevada’s Lombardo, Other GOP Candidates in a Bind
CARSON CITY, Nev. – Former President Donald Trump’s renewed calls to eliminate mail-in voting are creating a political challenge for Republican candidates, including Nevada Governor joe Lombardo, who have previously benefited from the practice and now face pressure to align with the party’s base while navigating the realities of modern elections.
Lombardo, endorsed by Trump in 2022, has publicly rejected trump’s false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Though, he has also previously expressed reservations about widespread mail-in voting, calling for an end to “global mail-in ballots” and supporting a halt to mail ballot counting after Election Day. This positions him, and other Republicans, in a difficult spot as Trump intensifies his attacks on mail voting ahead of the 2024 election cycle.
The dilemma stems from the increasing prevalence of mail-in voting across the country. While all states allow some form of mail voting, Nevada is among eight states and the District of Columbia that conduct almost all elections by mail. In three of the last four statewide elections, more Nevadans voted by mail than in person, a trend that contributed to Lombardo’s own narrow victory in 2022, which was drawn out in part due to a 2020 law allowing ballots postmarked by Election day to be counted if received up to four days later.
During his reelection campaign launch Monday, Lombardo focused on “common sense election reforms, like voter ID,” without specifically addressing mail voting. He did not respond to requests for comment regarding his current stance on Trump’s call to eliminate mail-in voting altogether.
The situation highlights a broader tension within the Republican party. While Trump continues to cast doubt on the integrity of mail-in voting, many GOP candidates recognize its importance for reaching voters and maximizing turnout. The 2024 general election saw 45% of Nevada voters cast ballots by mail, demonstrating its continued importance in the state’s electorate.
Associated Press journalist Maya Sweedler in Washington contributed to this report.
Originally published: September 17, 2025 at 9:43 AM PDT