Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford has defeated Republican incumbent Joe Lombardo in Nevada’s gubernatorial election, according to an Associated Press projection. Ford secured 51.5% of the vote to Lombardo’s 44.3%, with 85% of ballots counted. The victory makes Ford the first Black governor in Nevada and the first Black governor west of the Mississippi River.
The race was called at 4:46 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. Democrats also won control of Nevada’s secretary of state, attorney general, lieutenant governor, and all House seats up for election, completing a statewide sweep.
Ford’s campaign focused on affordability, blaming rising costs of housing, healthcare, and energy on Lombardo’s administration and national Republican policies. He framed the election as a referendum on the state’s economic struggles, particularly under the so-called “Lombardo-Trump economy.” Ford criticized Lombardo’s alignment with former President Donald Trump, including Trump’s 2025 tax cuts and tariffs, which Ford argued hurt Nevada’s tourism-dependent economy.
Lombardo, who was endorsed by Trump in 2022, defended his record, highlighting increased education funding, workforce development initiatives, and housing investments. He sought to distance himself from some federal policies, stating, “I can’t control” certain economic factors. Lombardo also emphasized his law enforcement background to contrast with Democratic messaging on crime.
Key Policy Differences
Ford pledged to reverse several of Lombardo’s vetoes, including bills to limit corporate home purchases and empower the state to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. He also vowed to restore Medicaid funding and expand healthcare access, areas where Nevada risks losing federal support due to recent policy changes.
Lombardo pointed to his administration’s achievements, such as a $133 million investment in middle-income housing and pay raises for teachers and state employees. He argued that his policies diversified Nevada’s economy beyond tourism and gaming.
Campaign Dynamics and Voter Priorities
The election was among the most competitive in the nation, reflecting Nevada’s status as a perennial swing state. Trump won Nevada by roughly three points in 2024, while Biden lost it by a similar margin in 2020. Analysts noted that affordability concerns—including gas prices exceeding $5 per gallon and declining tourism—dominated voter discussions.
Ford’s victory adds to a broader trend of Democratic gains in the midterms, with the party flipping several previously Republican-held offices. The result gives Democrats unified control of Nevada’s state government, aligning the governor’s office with Democratic majorities in the legislature.
Background on the Candidates
Ford, a former state senator and attorney general, has been a prominent voice in opposing Trump administration policies, including lawsuits to uphold birthright citizenship and prevent federal election interference. Lombardo, a former sheriff, was first elected governor in 2022 after defeating Democratic incumbent Steve Sisolak.
The race drew national attention as a bellwether for broader political trends, with both parties framing the outcome as a test of their respective economic and policy agendas.