Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam Endorses Governor Lombardo for Reelection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 17, 2026

RENO, NV – Today, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam announced his endorsement of Governor Joe Lombardo for reelection.

“Sheriff. Governor. Leader. That’s Joe Lombardo. As Washoe County Sheriff, I see firsthand that Governor Lombardo has delivered,”said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam.“He helped drive a 10% reduction in violent crime and signed into law tougher penalties for drug dealers and fentanyl traffickers. Under his leadership, we’ve seen meaningful drops in robberies and burglaries, stronger protections for domestic violence victims, and tighter rules on early discharge for home invasions. At the same time, he has stood firmly with law enforcement by supporting better pay and stronger backing for the men and women who wear the badge. When soft-on-crime bills reached his desk, he vetoed them to keep our communities safe. That record of results, integrity, and steady leadership is why I strongly support Joe Lombardo’s re-election as Governor of Nevada.”

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of Sheriff Darin Balaam and proudly stand with the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. He represents the very best of that commitment and has been a strong and trusted partner in our efforts to crack down on crime and safeguard Nevadans. I’m grateful for his support and commitment to making Washoe County stronger and more secure,”said Governor Lombardo.

Governor Lombardo, a law enforcement veteran of more than 30 years and former Clark County Sheriff, has made public safety a cornerstone of his administration. In addition to delivering a double-digit pay increase for Nevada law enforcement, Governor Lombardo introduced and signed his Crime Reduction Act (SB412) in 2023 and Nevada Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act (AB4) in 2025, which delivered the most comprehensive public safety reforms in decades by protecting victims, cracking down on violent criminals, drug dealers, and DUI offenders, and reversing soft-on-crime policies. Under Governor Lombardo’s leadership, Nevada has reported a 9% decrease in murders, a 26% decline in robberies, a 15% decrease in burglaries, and a 10% reduction in violent crime statewide.

Sheriff Balaam's endorsement adds to the growing list of law enforcement and public safety groups that have endorsed Governor Lombardo for re-election. You can find the full list here: Carson City Sheriff’s Supervisory Association, Las Vegas Metro Police Managers & Supervisors Association, Las Vegas Police Protective Association (LVPPA), Peace Officer Research Association of Nevada (PORAN), Police Officers Association of CCSD (POACCSD), Public Safety Alliance of Nevada (PSAN), Washoe County Sheriff Deputies Association (WCSDA), Reno Police Protective Association, Sparks Police Protective Association, Douglas County Sheriff Protective Association, LVPOA, Washoe County School Police Officer’s Association, and the Nevada Police Union (NPU).

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