Battlefield Report: Lombardo Loaded, Buck Breaks Through, Anthony Anointed and Televisions Targeted
Source: Nevada News & Views
Lombardo Is Sitting Pretty
The first quarter fundraising reports are in, and Governor Joe Lombardo had a very good three months. His campaign raised $2.2 million from January through March. His affiliated Nevada Way political action committee added another $1.5 million on top of that. Total cash on hand heading into the rest of the year: more than $14 million.
That is not a war chest. That is a fortress.
“Lombardo’s strong fundraising numbers underscore his continued momentum and widespread support from Nevadans across the state,” said campaign spokesperson Halee Dobbins.
For conservatives who want to keep Nevada on a limited-government path — lower taxes, less regulation, safer streets — that kind of financial firepower matters. It means Lombardo can define this race on his own terms. He can advertise early, respond to attacks fast, and still have plenty left over for the fall.
Ford Is Spinning His Numbers
Democrat Attorney General Aaron Ford raised nearly $1.5 million in Q1. His campaign was quick to call it a record — the most ever raised by a non-incumbent gubernatorial candidate in the first quarter of a fundraising cycle in Nevada history. He pulled in 13,000 individual donations, with 90 percent coming in at $80 or less.
His campaign manager called it proof that:
“Nevadans are tired of watching the rich get richer while they struggle to make ends meet each month.”
Don’t buy the spin.
Ford’s direct contributions totaled $1.23 million — which, yes, topped Lombardo’s own 2022 first-quarter haul of about $825,000. But here’s what his campaign didn’t lead with: Ford starts the year with roughly $2.7 million combined cash on hand. Lombardo has more than $14 million. Do the math.
Buck Breaks Through in CD1
State Sen. Carrie Buck is running to unseat Democrat Congresswoman Dina Titus in Congressional District 1. And her Q1 numbers turned heads.
Buck raised $436,000 in the first quarter, with an average contribution of just $38.50. She’s carrying $369,000 cash on hand heading into the summer.
Those are real numbers from real people. A $38.50 average donation doesn’t come from PAC bundlers or political insiders. It comes from neighbors who are paying attention and opening their wallets.
It also continues a trend from Q4 2025, when Buck outraised Titus — $352,000 to $299,000 — in what the National Republican Congressional Committee flagged as one of just five races nationally where a GOP challenger outraised a Democrat opponent without writing themselves a check.
Titus still holds a cash-on-hand advantage, so this race is no gimme. But the momentum is real, and the trajectory is heading in the right direction.
Anthony Gets the Presidential Stamp of Approval
Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony got some very welcome news this week. President Trump posted a glowing endorsement on Truth Social, and he didn’t hold back.
“Stavros Anthony has been a fantastic Lieutenant Governor for the Great People of Nevada!”
Trump wrote, citing Anthony’s background as a police officer, civic leader, and Las Vegas City Councilman.
“Stavros Anthony has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Anthony is running unopposed on the Republican side, so there’s no primary fight to worry about. But a presidential endorsement like that does something money can’t always buy. It energizes the base, drives donor enthusiasm, and puts Anthony front and center as a key part of Nevada’s Republican ticket heading into November.
Outside Money Is Moving In
Beyond the candidate fundraising numbers, two significant outside investments landed this week that conservatives should know about.
First, the Frontline Victory Fund — a national conservative PAC focused on electing attorneys general across the country — launched a $500,000 television and direct mail campaign backing Lombardo-endorsed Republican Adriana Guzmán Fralick in the GOP primary for attorney general.
The statewide TV ad runs for five weeks, including placements on Fox News Channel. The group called Guzmán Fralick:
“the most qualified candidate to ever seek election to Nevada Attorney General.”
That kind of outside investment at this stage of a primary is a serious signal.
Second, the Albert Mack campaign for Clark County Commission District F announced yesterday the launch of a six-figure television and digital ad buy spanning broadcast, cable, and connected TV platforms across Clark County. The campaign says the buy will run through early voting and up to Election Day.
“Clark County voters are paying attention, and this campaign is making sure they hear directly from Albert Mack,” said campaign spokesman Raymond Serrano.
“This is a disciplined effort focused on the issues that matter most: public safety, accountability, and the rising cost of living.”
Mack — a fourth-generation Nevadan, job creator, and grandson of Las Vegas banking legend Jerome Mack — has built one of the most well-funded local campaigns in Clark County history, raising $1.2 million.
He carries endorsements from Sheriff Kevin McMahill, Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, and the Public Safety Alliance of Nevada.
What It All Means
Money doesn’t vote. But it does buy the ads, the mailers, the door-knockers, and the ground game that persuade the people who do.
Across Nevada’s 2026 battlefield, Republicans are in a strong position. Lombardo is loaded and leading with the voters who decide close races. Buck is building real momentum. Guzmán Fralick has a half-million dollars in outside support coming her way. And Mack is about to be on your television screen.
The June 9 primary is the next big milestone. Make sure everyone you know is registered and ready to vote in Nevada’s closed Republican primary.
The battlefield looks good right now. Let’s keep it that way.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.