Nevada Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford has defeated Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, a significant victory for Democrats in the critical battleground state, The Associated Press has projected. Ford's win makes him Nevada's first Black governor and returns the governor's office to Democratic control, which was lost when Lombardo defeated Democrat Steve Sisolak in 2022.
Ford, who has served as attorney general since 2019, centered his campaign on issues of affordability, housing, education, healthcare, and the protection of abortion access. He argued that Nevada families were struggling with the high costs of housing, energy, and other essential expenses under Lombardo's administration.
Ford's victory could lead to unified Democratic control of the state government, as the party already holds majorities in both chambers of the Nevada Legislature. He will enter office with a legislative majority expected to align with his agenda, though disagreements may arise concerning taxes, education funding, public safety, and the state's economic climate.
Throughout the campaign, Ford frequently criticized Lombardo for aligning with former President Donald Trump and national Republican positions. He contended that Nevada needed a governor who would challenge federal policies on issues like funding, immigration, and voting rights, while prioritizing the state's cost-of-living crisis.
Lombardo defended his record on public safety, education, economic development, and government spending, highlighting his administration's efforts to increase education funding, expand workforce development, and diversify the state's economy beyond tourism and gaming. He also accused Ford of proposing costly new government programs without a clear funding plan, with a campaign analysis suggesting Ford's platform could cost billions over four years. Ford disputed this analysis, arguing that Lombardo's administration had made unsupported assumptions and that his agenda could be achieved through existing state resources, federal funding, and policy adjustments.
Housing affordability emerged as a defining issue, with Nevada facing a shortage of affordable homes, particularly in the Las Vegas and Reno areas. Rising rents and mortgage rates have intensified the financial pressure on working and middle-class residents.
The candidates also debated energy costs, public education, crime, immigration, and the state's reliance on tourism and gaming. Nevada's growing energy demands, driven by data centers and other large industrial projects, became a focal point. Lombardo promoted initiatives to attract businesses and investment, while Ford asserted that economic development should not lead to increased costs for residents or strain the state's infrastructure.
Ford now faces the challenge of fulfilling his campaign promises while addressing Nevada's significant issues in housing, education, infrastructure, and state budgeting. As attorney general, Ford often challenged Trump administration policies in court. His election is expected to position Nevada as a more prominent Democratic voice in opposition to federal policies, particularly as the state looks towards the 2028 presidential election.