Ford pledges affordability emergency

Aaron Ford declared a state affordability emergency in his first remarks as Nevada’s governor-elect. The announcement followed his victory over incumbent Governor Joe Lombardo, with results confirmed just before 2 a.m. Wednesday. Ford, who currently serves as attorney general, will take office in January.

The win makes Ford the first Black governor in Nevada history. He will also be the first Black governor elected west of the Mississippi River. The race concluded after a close contest that saw the attorney general unseat the two-term Republican governor.

Ford outlined his immediate legislative priorities during a speech to supporters in Las Vegas. He stated that lowering the cost of living is his top objective. His plan includes directing state agencies to return money to residents and coordinating with federal partners for economic relief. He specifically targeted high housing costs, healthcare expenses, and utility rate hikes.

“We did something that people said couldn’t be done,” Ford said. “They said it was impossible. They said there was too much money against us. There were too many powerful people opposed to us. But last night.. we proved that your voices matter. We proved that the power belongs to the people. And we won.”

Ford cited his background as a single father and college student to explain his focus on financial stability. He recalled times when he struggled to pay for food or rent. “I stand before you tonight to tell you I understand your struggle, and I will fight like hell to lower your costs and to make Nevada affordable,” Ford said. He promised to build more homes and open doors for first-time buyers while cracking down on corporate home purchases.

Outgoing Governor Joe Lombardo formally conceded the race on Wednesday morning. In a social media post, Lombardo called for unity between the two parties. “Whether you cast your vote for me or Attorney General Ford, we are all Nevadans, and our shared future is far more important than the differences of any one election,” Lombardo wrote. Ford thanked Lombardo for his service and noted that the outgoing governor graciously conceded victory.

Ford concluded his address by urging voters to support one another. He told the crowd not to let anyone convince them that their starting point determines their finish. He will be sworn in as Nevada’s next governor in January.