Ford wins Nevada governorship, pledges to slash costs with full Democratic control

Aaron Ford defeated incumbent Joe Lombardo in the Nevada gubernatorial race, ending a period of divided government. Lombardo conceded early Wednesday, acknowledging that Ford held a comfortable lead. Ford’s victory aligns him with a unified Democratic legislature, setting the stage for a legislative agenda focused on affordability.

Ford’s priorities include increasing housing supply, reducing healthcare and energy costs, and repealing the state’s right-to-work law. He described his administration as the most pro-worker and pro-union in the state’s history. These goals align with the Workers First Agenda he released in June. Democrats secured a two-thirds supermajority in the Nevada Assembly by flipping District 35 in the southwest Las Vegas Valley. Joe Spica, a culinary union member, defeated Republican Rebecca Edgeworth with 58% of the vote against 42%. The state Senate retained its Democratic majority but remains one seat short of a supermajority.

During his victory speech on Wednesday, Ford became emotional while discussing his son, whom he raised as a single father in Section 8 housing while relying on food stamps and Medicaid. The son now holds a medical degree. Ford stated that this personal history serves as the motivation for his political career. He also expressed gratitude to Lombardo for his leadership and willingness to work across partisan lines.

Retiring Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager said the alignment between the governor’s office and the legislature will improve communication between the branches. Under Lombardo, the relationship was often tense, resulting in a record 87 vetoes during the last legislative session. Yeager noted that some vetoes stemmed from a lack of dialogue during the drafting process. Ford has pledged to sign several bills vetoed in the previous session, including measures on safe hospital staffing, school lunches, and extended sick leave.

Assemblymember Cecelia González said Ford’s experience as a former state senator will help navigate the legislative process. However, she cautioned that Democratic unity does not guarantee swift passage of all bills, as ideologies vary among members. Yeager anticipates a push to complete key bills faster than usual. Republicans, including Assemblywoman Jill Dickman, have expressed concern about single-party control, arguing it may lead to less compromise.

Ford stated he is willing to work with any politician committed to lowering costs. He emphasized his background in public assistance as a qualification for the role. The incoming governor plans to begin addressing affordability immediately upon taking office.