Ford Aims for Governor’s Mansion as Nevada’s Political Landscape Shifts
Challenging an incumbent governor is no small feat, yet Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is gearing up to make a bold attempt. On Monday, Ford officially declared his candidacy for the governorship, entering a race that is less than a year away from its primary showdown.
Ford’s background is compelling: once reliant on food stamps and Medicaid, he now seeks to leverage his personal experiences to critique Republican-led cuts to these very programs, which he argues will have devastating effects on Nevadans. “Medicaid was a lifeline for my son and me, providing essential healthcare that allowed us to thrive. Food stamps kept us nourished during a challenging time,” Ford recounted in an interview, reflecting on the year and a half he spent as a single father pursuing higher education. “It pains me to think that others may soon face similar hardships.”
If Ford secures the Democratic nomination, he is likely to face off against Republican Governor Joe Lombardo, who is anticipated to seek reelection. Lombardo’s 2022 victory over incumbent Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak raised eyebrows, and he is now regarded as one of the most vulnerable Republican governors heading into the 2026 elections.
As an attorney general known for his vocal opposition to the Trump administration—having filed lawsuits on issues ranging from education funding to AmeriCorps—Ford is not the only Democrat in the race. Washoe County Commission Chair Alexis Hill has also announced her intention to run, setting the stage for a competitive primary.
Nevada’s political climate is notoriously unpredictable, often swinging between parties. The state, which recently saw both President Donald Trump and Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen achieve victories in the 2024 elections—Trump with just under 51 percent—joins the ranks of battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Wisconsin for the upcoming gubernatorial races in 2026, as noted by the Cook Political Report.
Medicaid has emerged as a pivotal topic in Democratic campaigns nationwide, and Ford is framing his gubernatorial bid within this critical context. In conversations leading up to his campaign announcement, he expressed deep concerns about the adverse effects of a megabill on the welfare of Nevadans while criticizing Lombardo’s apparent silence on impending cuts that could harm residents.
In February, Lombardo urged the White House to maintain Medicaid funding and, notably, was one of only seven governors who opted not to endorse a letter supporting the controversial bill. However, in a curious twist, he later praised certain aspects of the legislation, including a provision eliminating taxes on tips and overtime—an issue particularly salient in a state where many residents work in service and hospitality sectors.
“While my administration continues to evaluate this bill as it progresses toward final approval, Nevadans should be enthusiastic about potential tax cuts, small business investments, and initiatives to bolster American manufacturing and border security,” Lombardo stated after the bill passed, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Ford was quick to counter that sentiment, arguing, “No one should be thrilled about the impending loss of health insurance for over 100,000 Nevadans.” He contended that the ramifications of Medicaid cuts will far outweigh any benefits derived from tax reductions on tips.
“What’s intriguing about Nevada is its reputation for being a purple state,” Ford remarked. “Voters here are not shy about unseating incumbents who fail to deliver on their promises.”
