YOUNGKIN HITS NEVADA AIRWAVES: New Ad Touts Lombardo’s ‘Freedom Scholarship’ Move

Former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is bringing a multimillion-dollar school-choice advertising campaign to Nevada, with a new spot praising Gov. Joe Lombardo for enrolling the state in President Donald Trump’s Education Freedom Tax Credit program.

Youngkin’s Empowering America’s Parents is launching the second phase of its national advertising campaign in Nevada, Georgia and Iowa, according to the New York Post. The group previously advertised in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as it seeks to promote the new federal scholarship program ahead of the midterms. 

“Governor Joe Lombardo has Nevada winning, putting parents in charge, increasing K through 12 funding, and now opting in to the Education Freedom Tax Credit,” the Nevada ad declares.

The spot describes the program as providing scholarships for private-school tuition, tutoring and services for children with disabilities, while stressing that donations are incentivized through a federal tax credit rather than Nevada state taxes. It says 89 percent of Nevada children are eligible and closes by urging viewers to “call and thank Governor Lombardo for opting in and standing with Nevada kids and parents.”

Lombardo formally opted Nevada into the program in January, calling it a way to expand education options for families. Beginning in 2027, taxpayers can receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying cash donations to approved scholarship-granting organizations, which can then provide scholarships for eligible K-12 educational expenses. Nevada is listed by the IRS among the states participating in the program. 

The ad also highlights Lombardo’s record on public-school funding. Nevada lawmakers approved more than $6 billion annually in state and federal K-12 funding during his first term, with total per-pupil funding rising from $12,904 in fiscal year 2024 to $13,983 approved for fiscal year 2027. 

Youngkin told the Post that his group selected Nevada in part because continued participation will depend on future governors maintaining the state’s involvement. He said the program gives parents options ranging from private-school tuition to supplemental tutoring and other educational services. 

The issue also draws a clear policy divide in Nevada’s gubernatorial race. Democrat Attorney General Aaron Ford has criticized the federal tax-credit program over concerns that foregone federal revenue could affect funding for other government services. Meanwhile, Clark County School District officials have explored using the program themselves to generate scholarship money for public-school students, including for tutoring, summer programs and services for children with special needs. 

Youngkin’s ad makes no attempt to hide its preferred messenger. Lombardo is front and center, and the closing instruction is unmistakable: thank Nevada’s Republican governor for opting in.

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