Well, there's also a weird political climate in LV.
Let's not forget Sheriff Lombardo is an elected politician. We're about to start his re-election year, and I imagine this is very much on his mind.
With Gillespie and former Sheriff Bill Young supporting him, Lombardo benefited from an almost 2-to-1 fundraising advantage. A large portion of his financial support came from the casino industry, which has historically given money to the outgoing sheriffs hand-picked candidate. And that candidate almost always wins.
https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/lombardo-wins-clark-county-sheriffs-race/