Joe Lombardo’s Dark Money Tactics Fuel Nevada Reelection Campaign

Joe Lombardo’s Dark Money Maneuvering in Nevada: A Closer Look

Recent investigations have uncovered how Joe Lombardo’s decision to register his inaugural committee as a dark money entity has deviated from established bipartisan practices. This move has allowed for a significant lack of transparency, as the committee has launched a media campaign that misrepresents Nevada’s economic situation while aligning with Donald Trump’s agenda. Despite the upbeat portrayal, Nevada currently faces the highest unemployment rate in the United States, gas prices exceeding $5 per gallon in several counties, and inflation reaching a notable three-year peak.

During his initial State of the State Address, Lombardo expressed his commitment to “transparency, candor, and integrity.” However, when questioned about his use of dark money, his response was clear: “I’m going to use everything available to ensure success.” In recent years, he vetoed bills SB60 and SB414, both of which aimed to mandate constitutional officers, including Lombardo, to disclose the donors of their inaugural committees.

Lombardo’s financial operations have raised eyebrows, with limited tax documents revealing that out of the $5.72 million spent by the Service First Fund, formerly known as the Nevada Inaugural Committee, only $1.25 million was allocated toward inaugural events in 2022 and 2023.

Open Secrets: The Role of Casino Cash and Dark Money in Lombardo’s Campaign

The emergence of a dark money group as a major financier in the Nevada governor race has been traced back to a nonprofit inaugural committee linked to Lombardo.

The Service First Fund, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, has spent $4 million on advertising, accounting for over half of the ad expenses in the race.

Initially established as the “Nevada Inaugural Committee” in 2022, its purpose was to host events for the newly elected governor.

Unlike PACs, which must disclose donors under state campaign finance laws, 501(c)(4) nonprofits are not obligated to reveal their contributors, thus earning the “dark money” label.

Shortly after Lombardo’s inauguration in January 2023, the nonprofit was renamed The Service First Fund. Two months later, Lombardo vetoed legislation that would have required donor disclosure for such nonprofits.

Since its rebranding, The Service First Fund increased its spending from $1.6 million in 2023 to $3.8 million in 2024. As Lombardo campaigns for reelection, the group has invested over $4 million in advertisements supporting him.