Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat, is projected to defeat Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, handing Democrats a major win in the closely contested battleground state, The Associated Press reported.
The race was among the country’s most closely watched gubernatorial contests. Ford’s victory would make him Nevada’s first Black governor and return the governor’s office to Democrats for the first time since Lombardo defeated Steve Sisolak in 2022.
Ford, who has been attorney general since 2019, focused his campaign on the cost of living, housing, education, health care and abortion access. He said Nevada families were being squeezed by housing costs, energy bills and other rising expenses during Lombardo’s tenure.
Democrats already hold majorities in both chambers of the state Legislature. Depending on the results of other races, Ford’s win could give the party unified control of state government. He would have a Legislature broadly aligned with his priorities, though disputes over taxes, education funding, public safety and the business climate could still lie ahead.
Ford often criticized Lombardo for aligning himself with President Donald Trump and national Republicans. He argued that Nevada needed a governor willing to challenge the administration on federal funding, immigration and voting rights, while addressing the state’s affordability problems.
Lombardo defended his record on public safety, education, economic development and spending. He said his administration had increased education funding, expanded workforce programs and worked to broaden Nevada’s economy beyond tourism and gaming.
The Republican also argued that Ford’s proposals would create expensive government programs without a clear plan to pay for them. Lombardo’s campaign cited an analysis estimating that fully carrying out Ford’s platform could cost billions of dollars over four years.
Ford disputed the analysis, saying it relied on spending assumptions and mechanisms that were not part of his proposals. He said his agenda could be funded through existing state resources, federal support and policy changes.
Housing affordability was a central issue in the campaign. Nevada has struggled with a shortage of affordable homes, especially around Las Vegas and Reno, while higher rents and mortgage rates have put added pressure on working- and middle-income residents.
The candidates also differed on energy costs, schools, crime, abortion, immigration and the state’s dependence on tourism and gaming.
Growing energy demand, including from data centers and other large industrial projects, also became a campaign concern. Lombardo promoted efforts to attract businesses and investment. Ford said economic growth should not drive up residents’ costs or strain infrastructure further.
Ford will now have to make good on his campaign pledges while confronting challenges involving the state budget, housing, education and infrastructure.
As attorney general, Ford frequently challenged Trump administration policies in court. His election could make Nevada a more visible Democratic counterweight to the federal government as the state heads toward the 2028 presidential election.
