Aaron Ford Launches 2026 Nevada Governor Campaign

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has officially launched his campaign for governor in the 2026 race and is considered the Democratic frontrunner, bolstered by the endorsement of U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. If elected, Ford would be Nevada’s first Black governor. Cortez Masto highlighted Ford's record of prosecuting criminals, combating human trafficking and the fentanyl crisis, and securing over $1 billion from drug companies, as well as his legal actions against both the Trump and Biden administrations. Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill has also entered the Democratic primary, running as an agent of change. Republican incumbent Governor Joe Lombardo, viewed as a moderate but vulnerable on economic issues and Trump ties, is expected to face the Democratic nominee in a competitive general election. Recent polling shows Ford with higher approval ratings than Lombardo, and the Cook Political Report still rates the gubernatorial race as a toss-up.