Ford Wins Nevada Governor's Race, Promises Day 1 Focus on Affordability

Aaron Ford has won the Nevada governorship.

The Democratic candidate defeated incumbent Republican Joe Lombardo, who conceded early Wednesday. Ford took the stage to a standing ovation, breaking down in tears as he addressed the crowd. The emotional moment centered on his son, who stood behind him. Ford raised his son as a single father in college while living in Section 8 housing and relying on food stamps and Medicaid. His son now holds a medical degree, a result Ford credited to that government support.

“This is the visual representation of what it is I fight for every single day,” Ford said. “This has been the motivation for every time I run.”

Ford outlined his first priorities, including building more homes, lowering healthcare and energy costs, investing in children, and repealing Nevada’s right-to-work law. He pledged to sign bills on safe hospital staffing, school lunches, and extended sick leave that Lombardo had previously vetoed. Ford described his approach as non-partisan, stating he is willing to work with anyone serious about affordability.

“I intend to be the most pro-worker, pro-union governor this state has ever seen,” Ford said. “We’re going to tackle affordability starting on Day 1.”

The legislative backdrop for Ford’s first term is defined by Democratic control. Democrats flipped District 35 in the southwest Las Vegas Valley, securing a two-thirds supermajority in the Assembly. Culinary Union member Joe Spica won that seat with 58 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Rebecca Edgeworth. The Senate retained its Democratic majority but lacks one seat for a supermajority. Retiring Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager said this alignment will allow the new governor to push bills through more efficiently than under the previous divided government.

Yeager noted that Lombardo set a record with 87 vetoes in the last session, often due to miscommunication between the branches. With Ford in the mansion, legislators expect a smoother path for key bills. Assemblymember Cecelia González emphasized that Ford’s experience as a former state senator will aid the process, though she noted the Legislature still requires hearings and votes. Republicans have warned of unchecked legislative power, but Ford maintains his focus remains on reducing costs for families.