Ford Advances in Nevada Gubernatorial Race

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has successfully beaten Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill in the Democratic primary held on Tuesday, setting him up for a face-off against Republican Governor Joe Lombardo in what is one of the most closely watched gubernatorial races in the country.

Ford was seen as the Democratic favorite among a group that included Hill, Sunshine Arterburn, Mikel Bayfield, Emile Bouari, and James Cooper. Before becoming Nevada’s first black attorney general, he had previously held a position in the Nevada State Legislature, where he served as the majority leader.

As reported on his campaign website, one of the major themes of Ford’s campaign has been housing affordability. He has pledged to lower housing costs and increase access to housing for residents.

This win for Ford comes amid growing scrutiny regarding his travel expenses. Since taking office in 2019, he has racked up over $410,000 in travel costs, and local reports indicate he has spent more than 100 days out of Nevada during his tenure.

A representative from the attorney general’s office defended Ford’s travels, stating that they were related to his official duties and campaign work, including collaboration with law enforcement agencies nationwide, which is allowed under Nevada law.

In the broader political landscape, Ford is currently under investigation by the Nevada Ethics Commission for allegedly requesting gifts improperly or leveraging his office for an unfair advantage. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the political climate as the gubernatorial election approaches.

Democrats are particularly focused on Nevada’s gubernatorial race, aiming to regain control of the governor’s office. Lombardo, who won against Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak in 2022, is campaigning for a second term and will face a Democratic challenger in the upcoming November election.