Aaron Ford wins Nevada governorship, unseating incumbent Joe Lombardo
The attorney general becomes the first Black governor elected west of the Mississippi after leading by a wide margin in the final tally.
By Nour Haddad ·
Aaron Ford has won the Nevada gubernatorial election, defeating incumbent Governor Joe Lombardo to become the state's next chief executive.
Election officials confirmed the victory just after 2 a.m. on Thursday, following a race that began tallying shortly after midnight. Ford, the current attorney general, will be sworn into office in January.
The result establishes a new historical marker for the state and the western United States. Ford will serve as Nevada's first Black governor and the first Black governor elected west of the Mississippi River.
Ford addressed supporters at a victory rally to outline his initial priorities, placing the cost of living at the top of his agenda. He said he would immediately declare an affordability emergency upon taking office. This directive would require state agencies to identify methods for returning money to residents. He also pledged to coordinate with federal partners to deliver additional economic relief.
In his remarks, Ford cited his background as a single father and college student to connect with voters facing financial strain. He noted periods when he struggled to pay for food, rent, or housing during his university years. "I stand before you tonight to tell you I understand your struggle," Ford said. "And I will fight like hell to lower your costs and to make Nevada affordable."
The governor-elect detailed specific policy goals to address housing and healthcare costs. He proposed cracking down on corporate purchases of residential properties and building more homes for first-time buyers. Ford also committed to reducing healthcare and prescription medication expenses while preventing utility rate increases.
Lombardo formally conceded the race on Wednesday morning. In a social media post, he urged voters to look beyond the election cycle. "Whether you cast your vote for me or Attorney General Ford, we are all Nevadans," Lombardo wrote. "Our shared future is far more important than the differences of any one election."
Ford thanked his opponent for his service and willingness to work across partisan lines during the transition. He told the crowd that the state would be built by lifting its residents up rather than tearing them down. Ford concluded by telling Nevadans not to let anyone convince them that where they begin decides where they finish.
