Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford (D) is launching a bid to unseat Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) next year as Democrats look to flip the governor’s mansion in the pivotal swing state.
“I’m running for Governor because Nevadans need a fighter in their corner,” Ford said in a statement released on Monday. “I will work to lower the crushing cost of housing and prescription drugs, strengthen our public schools, and ensure every community in Nevada is safe.”
Ford touted his background as a former math teacher who also served as majority leader of the state Senate. He argued that under the GOP governor, “Nevadans are suffering in an economy that is rigged against those trying their hardest to stay afloat” and hit him over issues like the state’s high unemployment rate and homelessness.
Ford is not the only Democrat interested in taking on Lombardo; Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill is also eyeing a run on the Democratic side.
Lombardo, a former Clark County sheriff, dealt Democrats a blow in 2022 when he defeated first-term Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) by more than a point. His win was a bright spot for Republicans given he was the only GOP candidate to flip a Democratic governor’s spot in what was a largely disappointing election year for the party.
Nevada, of course, is no stranger to tight races and split-ticket voting. President Trump carried the state against former Vice President Harris by 3 points in November while Sen. Jacky Rosen defeated Republican candidate Sam Brown by close to 2 points.
The Silver State, along with Georgia, are seen as Democrats’ best opportunities to flip governors’ mansions next year. The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates the governor’s seat in Nevada and Georgia both as toss-ups.
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