List of governors of Nevada Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Governor of Nevada
Standard of the governor of Nevada
Seal of Nevada
Incumbent Joe Lombardo since January 2, 2023
Government of Nevada
Style	Governor (informal) The Honorable (formal) His Excellency (courtesy)
Residence	Nevada Governor's Mansion
Term length	Four years, renewable once
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Nevada
Precursor	Governor of the Nevada Territory
Inaugural holder	Henry G. Blasdel
Formation	December 5, 1864 (160 years ago) (1864-12-05)
Deputy	Lieutenant Governor of Nevada
Salary	$149,730 (2015)

The governor of Nevada is the top leader of the U.S. state of Nevada. Think of the governor as the chief executive officer for the state. They lead the executive branch of the Nevada state government. The governor also acts as the commander-in-chief for Nevada's own military forces, the Nevada National Guard.

The governor has important jobs. They must make sure state laws are followed. They can also approve or reject new laws passed by the Nevada Legislature. The governor can call the legislature together at any time for special meetings. They can also grant pardons (forgiveness for a crime) to people, except in cases of treason or impeachment.

A governor serves for four years. Since 1970, a governor can only serve two terms, even if those terms are not back-to-back. If the governor's office becomes empty, the lieutenant governor of Nevada takes over. The current governor is Republican Joe Lombardo. He started his term on January 2, 2023.

Nevada's Governor: Leading the State
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Nevada's Governor: Leading the State

What Does a Governor Do?

The governor is like the president of a state. They are in charge of making sure the state government runs smoothly. This includes managing state agencies and making big decisions for the people of Nevada. They work to improve things like education, healthcare, and roads.

The governor also represents Nevada to other states and the country. They meet with other leaders and make sure Nevada's voice is heard. It is a very important job that requires a lot of responsibility.

Nevada's Early Governors: A Look Back

Before Nevada became a state, it was a territory. This means it was a part of the United States but not yet a full state. The Nevada Territory was created on March 2, 1861. It was formed from parts of the Utah Territory.

The territory had only one governor who was chosen by the president of the United States. His name was James W. Nye. He served from March 22, 1861, until Nevada became a state on December 5, 1864. Before the territory was officially set up, a local group in Genoa chose Isaac Roop as a temporary governor in 1859.

James W. Nye, the only governor of the Nevada Territory.

Governors of the State of Nevada

Nevada officially joined the United States on October 31, 1864. Since then, thirty-one people have served as governor. The very first governor of the State of Nevada was Henry G. Blasdel. He took office on December 5, 1864.

Henry G. Blasdel, Nevada's first state governor.

The governor who served the longest was Bob Miller. He was governor for two and a half terms, from 1989 to 1999. The governor who served the shortest time was Frank Bell. He was acting governor for only four months after Governor Charles C. Stevenson passed away.

The current governor is Joe Lombardo. He became governor on January 2, 2023. He is the 31st person to hold this important position.