Nevada Republican Governor Joe Lombardo and Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford have advanced to the general election following their primary victories, according to projections by NBC News. Lombardo, a former Clark County sheriff, secured his party's nomination against several challengers, while Ford won approximately two-thirds of the vote against a Washoe County commissioner.
Lombardo won his first gubernatorial election in 2022 by less than 2 percentage points in a state known for its competitive races. The Cook Political Report has identified Nevada's gubernatorial contest as a key race, with Lombardo being the only Republican seeking re-election in five races categorized as toss-ups.
Ford aims to become Nevada's first Black governor and has positioned himself against Lombardo by linking him to former President Donald Trump, criticizing the impact of Trump's policies on Nevada's economy. Lombardo's supporters describe him as a pragmatic leader who has collaborated with a Democratic-controlled Legislature on various issues, including jobs and education.
The political landscape in Nevada has been closely contested, with recent elections showing narrow margins. In 2022, Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak lost his re-election bid by just over 15,000 votes, while Senator Catherine Cortez Masto won re-election by a margin of 7,900 votes. Democrats are focusing on economic issues as they campaign against Lombardo, who has highlighted job creation and housing initiatives during his tenure.
Lombardo's campaign is also addressing rising costs and economic pressures, stating that there is still work to be done. He has received Trump's endorsement but has navigated a complex relationship with the former president's policies. The race is expected to draw significant attention as both candidates prepare for the general election in the fall.
