Nevada Governor Comments On Economy In NYT’s Piece
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has issued a stark warning about President Biden’s handling of the economy, suggesting that the administration’s inability to control national inflation could severely impact Biden’s chances in the upcoming election.
In a New York Times guest essay, Lombardo, a Republican, highlighted the significant economic challenges faced by Nevadans, pointing to rising prices and falling real wages as major concerns.
“Since Mr. Biden took office, prices have risen 19 percent, a major factor in real average weekly earnings dropping 4 percent. This type of economic turmoil is simply unsustainable for Nevada families,” Lombardo wrote. He emphasized that the economic strain is eroding confidence in Biden’s ability to address inflation and housing issues, with recent polling data reflecting a dip in support for the President.
According to a Fox News poll conducted this month, Biden trails former President Trump by five points in Nevada, a crucial swing state he narrowly won in the 2020 election by less than three percentage points.
An estimate from the U.S. Joint Economic Committee cited by Lombardo indicates that Nevadans are now paying an additional $1,199 per month for the same goods and services they purchased in January 2021 due to inflation.
Lombardo noted that inflation and housing affordability are particularly affecting key Democratic voting blocs in Nevada, including voters under 30 and Hispanic voters. He cited a New York Times/Siena poll showing that a majority of young and Hispanic voters in Nevada believe the nation’s economy would fare better under new leadership. Specifically, 69 percent of young voters and 70 percent of Hispanic voters expressed more trust in Trump to handle the economy compared to Biden.
“As Gen Z graduates enter the workforce and look to purchase their first homes, it’s no surprise that they are concerned about today’s punishingly high inflation and mortgage rates and are seeking an alternative to the status quo,” Lombardo added.
He referenced Peter Guzman, head of the Latin Chamber of Commerce in Nevada, who believes that the shift among Hispanic voters is due to a preference for policy effectiveness over personality in this challenging economic climate.
Polling data supports Lombardo’s claims, showing that Nevada voters prefer Trump to Biden on economic and immigration issues, with Trump holding 16- and 22-point leads, respectively, according to the June Fox News poll. A Bloomberg News/Morning Consult survey further highlights Trump’s advantage, showing him leading Biden 48% to 44% across seven key swing states, including Nevada.