Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford, who is gearing up for the Nevada governor’s race in November, has come under fire from critics for accumulating significant travel expenses since he took office, all while aiming for re-election in 2026. Records show that Ford has spent nearly $270,000 on airfare and hotel stays outside Nevada since he began his term in 2019. Adding to this, he received over $140,000 in expenses funded by organizations like the Democratic Bar Association, bringing his total travel costs over seven years to upwards of $410,000.
In 2024 specifically, Ford’s travel expenses hit $60,730 across 16 cities, which included a notable $2,819 stay at a luxury resort in Mexico and nearly $12,000 at Martha’s Vineyard, a popular spot among the affluent. The exact breakdown of intrastate travel isn’t exactly clear, but Ford has confirmed that he spent 137 days out of state in 2024.
On top of that, documents reveal his campaign has directed more than $350,000 in funds to his family. Records also indicate he’s spent almost 20% of his time as the Attorney General out of state, tallying at least 420 days so far. For some, like Republican strategist John Burke, this level of travel and the associated costs seem excessive for the role Ford fills.
Burke remarked, “For over a year, Ford has treated his job as a part-time role, indulging in travel funded by special interests.” Furthermore, Ford is currently under investigation by the Nevada Ethics Commission for allegedly soliciting gifts improperly and leveraging his office for personal advantage.
A spokesperson for Ford’s office clarified that these trips are part of his campaign and do not use state funds. Still, it was noted that Ford was fulfilling duties that involved coordinating with various law enforcement agencies nationwide, which Nevada law permits as allowable campaign expenses. The spokesperson said he attended bipartisan meetings focusing on critical issues like human trafficking and cybercrime.
Interestingly, prior to his role as Attorney General, Ford was involved in the Nevada State Legislature, where he rose to majority leader from 2017 to 2019. Initially, his travel expenditures were much lower, with less than $15,000 spent yearly in 2019 and 2020. However, costs ramped up dramatically, with over $52,000 spent in 2022 alone.
In contrast, his Republican predecessor, Adam Laxalt, spent under $5,000 during his final year in office. Ford’s opponent, current Governor Joe Lombardo, has responded to the situation, asserting that his administration has delivered tangible results for Nevada, including substantial job creation and improvements in education funding.
Burke expressed concern over Ford’s lack of transparency regarding his travel expenses, stating, “He faces legal scrutiny from the Ethics Commission yet remains unwilling to clarify his extravagant travel habits. This is not what public service should look like.”
