Corporate Landlords Fund Nevada Republicans Amid Housing Crisis Controversy

Amidst rising housing costs in Nevada, the financial backing of corporate landlords has come under scrutiny as they support key political figures. Joe Lombardo and Marty O’Donnell, two prominent Republican candidates in Nevada, have received significant contributions from entities with vested interests in the state’s real estate market.

The Influence of Corporate Donations

Governor Joe Lombardo has been at the center of controversy for accepting substantial donations from a Blackstone-controlled real estate investment trust. This comes in the aftermath of his veto on legislation aimed at curtailing corporate acquisition of homes in Nevada. Blackstone has been criticized for contributing to the global housing crisis, with accusations of “wreaking havoc” in communities. The firm reportedly owns thousands of homes across Nevada, profiting from elevated housing prices. Meanwhile, Marty O’Donnell has attracted financial support from Blackstone’s founder, Stephen Schwarzman, who has connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Major Contributors and Political Impact

Contributions from high-profile billionaires are not new to Lombardo and O’Donnell. Lombardo has also received nearly $39 million in support from real estate mogul Robert Bigelow. Notably, Bigelow has donated $2.5 million to the Better Nevada PAC and $6 million to the Republican Governor’s Association Nevada PAC, bolstering Lombardo’s campaigns. Democrats have criticized Lombardo for these contributions, especially in light of Bigelow’s evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a similar vein, O’Donnell has benefited from the support of Blackstone’s CEO. On September 30, Stephen Schwarzman contributed $3,500 to O’Donnell’s campaign, with an additional $3,500 coming from Schwarzman’s wife, Christine. This financial backing is aimed at aiding O’Donnell in his quest to unseat US Rep. Susie Lee in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District.

Legislative Challenges and Corporate Housing

The debate over corporate homeownership in Nevada remains contentious. Despite efforts to regulate the industry, Lombardo has consistently blocked such attempts. In 2025, he even requested State Sen. Ira Hansen to vote against a bill that Hansen initially supported. Blackstone’s real estate presence in Nevada is substantial, with over 8,400 homes and apartments reported under their ownership in 2026.

In just two days, Lombardo’s campaign finance filings reveal he received $25,000 from the Blackstone-owned REIT. These contributions underscore the financial power corporate landlords hold in shaping Nevada’s political landscape, raising questions about the implications for average Nevada families facing increased housing costs.

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