Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican, secured his party's nomination for a second term after defeating six challengers in the June 9 primary. He will face Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford in the November general election, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched gubernatorial races in the country. The race is rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report, reflecting its competitive nature.
Primary Results and Key Races
Lombardo, a former Clark County sheriff, won the Republican primary in a landslide, receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Ford, who has served as Nevada's attorney general since 2019, defeated five other Democrats, including progressive Alexis Hill, to claim the Democratic nomination. Ford's campaign has focused on issues such as rising costs of living, housing affordability, and tying Lombardo to Trump's policies, which have faced criticism in Nevada.
Campaign Issues and Challenges
Ford has highlighted Lombardo's record on housing affordability, healthcare, and economic policies, arguing that the governor's tenure has failed to address these concerns. Lombardo, meanwhile, has pointed to his bipartisan achievements, including a bill to hold school districts accountable, tightening criminal justice reforms, and securing a public financing deal for a new MLB stadium. The governor has also expressed concerns about the impact of national politics on the race, acknowledging that Trump's policies have affected Nevada's economy, particularly in tourism.
Tourism and Economic Impact
Tourism, a critical sector for Nevada, has declined due to Trump's policies, including tariffs and immigration restrictions. Canadian tourism, which accounts for half of Las Vegas' foreign visitors, dropped by 17% in 2025, while overall tourism declined by 7.5%, the largest drop since the pandemic. This economic downturn has become a focal point in the campaign, with Ford arguing that Lombardo's alignment with Trump has harmed the state.
Uncontested Races and Other Developments
Several races in Nevada's primary were uncontested, including those for U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford in Congressional District 4 and statewide offices held by Republican Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony, Democratic Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar, and Republican State Controller Andy Matthews. Unopposed candidates also secured spots in the November ballot for various state Senate and Assembly seats.
Union Involvement and Policy Battles
Unions, particularly the powerful Culinary Union, have become involved in the race, seeking retribution against legislators over a failed effort to subsidize the film and development industries. This dynamic adds another layer to the competitive landscape, with labor groups likely to play a significant role in mobilizing voters.
Ford's Travel Controversy
Ford's campaign has faced scrutiny over his extensive travel record, with state records showing he accumulated over $410,000 in travel costs since 2019. Local outlets have reported he spent more than 100 days outside Nevada during his tenure. Ford's office has defended the travel as tied to official duties and campaign activities, permitted under Nevada law.