Clark County, Nev. – The Clark County Education Association (CCEA) reaffirmed its support for Republican Governor Joe Lombardo after Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford won the 2026 gubernatorial race, 51.6% to 44%. CCEA executive director John Vellardita told Channel 13 that the union’s endorsement was based on results, not party lines.
Funding record and school safety
During his first term, Gov. Lombardo delivered more than $2 billion in additional education funding, the largest increase in Nevada’s history. He also pushed measures to improve school safety and to embed accountability standards in reading programs. Vellardita said those achievements aligned with the union’s core mission of better‑resourced classrooms and safer learning environments.
Union’s bipartisan approach
Vellardita emphasized that the CCEA’s endorsement process is “transactional” and focused on outcomes. “We work with anybody who works with us. We’re bipartisan,” he said. He noted that the union’s campaign‑finance reports show it gave more money to Democrats than Republicans, underscoring its willingness to support candidates across the aisle who advance education goals.
The union’s history reflects that flexibility. In 2018, CCEA backed Democrat Steve Sisolak over a more liberal rival, and in 2022 it abstained from endorsing either candidate. Vellardita argued that abandoning candidates who have delivered for schools would render the union’s endorsement meaningless.
Data‑center tax plan
Beyond school funding, the CCEA is promoting an eight‑point plan to allow data centers in Nevada to pay the portion of state sales tax that currently funds public schools. Data centers have been exempt from sales tax since 2015, a policy the union estimates has cost schools over $350 million. The plan seeks to retain data‑center development while generating revenue for education.
Governor Lombardo issued an executive order in September that aligns closely with the union’s proposal, earning praise from Vellardita and criticism from rival education groups. Ford, meanwhile, has called for suspending all data‑center tax breaks until an audit determines the policy’s effectiveness.
Political fallout
Ford’s transition team released a statement highlighting the new governor’s background as a former public‑school math teacher and his commitment to “well‑funded public schools, retaining educators, improving literacy, expanding vocational education, and guaranteeing school meals.” The statement also warned that President Donald Trump is “hellbent on dismantling the Department of Education,” positioning the governor’s education agenda as a counterweight.
Vellardita warned that rejecting data‑center tax contributions could stunt Nevada’s economic growth. “If you say no, you may not have any economic growth,” he said, urging a partnership with the industry to improve branding and address environmental concerns.
Union’s polling on the plan
The CCEA says its own polling shows voters shift from opposition to data‑center development when presented with the plan’s environmental safeguards and job‑training components. Vellardita stressed that the union’s approach is rooted in delivering tangible benefits for Nevada’s schools and economy.
As Nevada moves forward under Governor‑elect Ford, the CCEA’s endorsement of Lombardo remains a point of discussion, highlighting the ongoing debate over how best to fund and protect public education in the state.
Original reporting: KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
