Governor Calls for Bipartisanship

Legislators Try Not to Laugh

As the 2025 Legislative Session kicks off, Governor Joe Lombardo has issued a noble call for bipartisanship—a time-honored tradition in American politics, wherein one side politely asks the other to stop fighting just long enough to pass the bills they like.

The 83rd session of the Nevada Legislature began on Feb. 3. It will last 120 days, during which lawmakers will argue, posture, make grand declarations about “the will of the people,” and, with any luck, actually govern. The Democrats have maintained their majority in both chambers but fell just short of the coveted “supermajority,” which would have allowed them to veto-proof their legislation and render Lombardo’s pen a mere decorative object.

Ever the optimist, Lombardo issued a statement urging legislators to abandon their partisan squabbling and focus on what unites us, a phrase that has had as much influence in politics as a librarian shushing a tornado.

“As the 2025 Legislative Session begins today, I’m hopeful that legislators will join me in setting aside partisan rhetoric,” Lombardo said, presumably while Democratic lawmakers chuckled under their breath. “Finding sensible solutions requires leadership, partnership, and bipartisanship.”

Indeed, the Governor has laid out a noble list of priorities, including lowering housing costs, expanding healthcare access, maximizing education investments, enforcing accountability, strengthening public safety, and building a stronger economy. It is a fine vision—that would be inspiring if not for the inconvenience of requiring Democrats and Republicans to work together without turning every minor disagreement into a dramatic showdown worthy of a courtroom drama.

As the session unfolds, Nevadans can look forward to plenty of spirited debates, a handful of actual compromises, and the annual spectacle of lawmakers congratulating themselves for doing what they were elected to do. Stay tuned.