Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has defeated Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, according to a projection from The Associated Press, handing Democrats control of the governor’s office for the first time since 2022.
The win makes Ford Nevada’s first Black governor. It also ends Lombardo’s single term after he unseated Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak four years ago.
Ford, who has served as attorney general since 2019, built his campaign around affordability, housing, education, health care and abortion access. He argued that Nevada families were being squeezed by rising housing costs and energy bills under Lombardo’s administration.
With Democrats already holding majorities in both chambers of the state Legislature, Ford’s win could give the party unified control of Nevada’s state government. Even so, disagreements over taxes, education spending, public safety and the business climate could still complicate his agenda once he takes office.
Trump ties a central theme
Throughout the race, Ford repeatedly tied Lombardo to President Donald Trump and national Republicans, arguing Nevada needed a governor willing to push back against Washington on federal funding, immigration and voting rights while tackling the state’s cost of living.
Lombardo countered by pointing to his record on public safety, education and economic development, saying his administration had increased education funding, expanded workforce development programs and worked to diversify Nevada’s economy beyond tourism and gaming.
The governor’s campaign also challenged Ford’s spending plans, citing an analysis that estimated fully implementing his platform could cost billions of dollars over four years. Ford disputed that figure, saying it relied on spending assumptions that weren’t part of his actual proposals, and that his agenda could be funded through existing state resources, federal funding and policy changes.
Housing and energy loomed large
Housing affordability was a defining issue in the race, as Nevada continues to face a shortage of affordable homes in the Las Vegas and Reno areas while rents and mortgage rates squeeze working- and middle-class residents.
Energy costs also drew attention, particularly as data centers and other large industrial projects increase demand on the state’s power grid. Lombardo focused on attracting business investment, while Ford argued that growth shouldn’t come at the expense of residents’ utility bills or the state’s infrastructure.
The candidates also sparred over public education, crime, immigration and Nevada’s continued reliance on tourism and gaming revenue.
As he prepares to take office, Ford faces pressure to follow through on his campaign promises while managing a state budget strained by housing, education and infrastructure needs. As attorney general, he frequently sued to block Trump administration policies, and his election is expected to position Nevada as a more visible Democratic counterweight to Washington heading toward the 2028 presidential race.
