Governor Joe Lombardo vows to fight for a second term in Nevada

In December 2024, the political landscape in Nevada shifted as Attorney General Aaron Ford announced his intention to run for governor, marking him as the first Democrat to declare against the popular Republican incumbent, Governor Joe Lombardo. Ford's announcement comes amidst a challenging backdrop for the Democratic Party in Nevada, where they recently lost their supermajority in the assembly and were unable to secure a supermajority in the state senate during the election that season. With Lombardo gaining a reputation for his proactive governance since taking office, Ford faces an uphill battle to unseat a governor who has garnered considerable approval from voters. Ford, who previously served in the Nevada state senate and was elected Attorney General in 2018, is strategically positioning himself for the gubernatorial race, asserting the importance of listening to voter concerns across the state. He emphasizes that his bid is rooted in his desire to understand the needs of Nevadans as they look for leadership to fix what he describes as “broken pieces” within the state. This is echoed in his recent statements, where he highlighted the necessity of addressing past issues and enhancing the political fabric of Nevada. The incumbent, Joe Lombardo, has successfully established a brand centered on effectiveness, achieving notable executive actions since taking the office in 2022, which has earned him an impressive approval rating of 58% according to polling data from January 2024. He has distinguished himself not only through decisive governance but through strategic maneuvering that has strengthened his party's position in a predominantly blue state. By managing high-profile issues and implementing policies that resonate with voters, he has solidified his status as a formidable opponent. As Ford prepares for his campaign, he also revives discussions surrounding the controversial incidents related to the 'fake electors' from the 2020 presidential election. His recent legal action asserts that the attempts made by certain Republicans to overturn election results were violations of Nevada law, indicating his focus on integrity and accountability in politics. With both candidates gearing up for a likely contentious race, the outcome will have significant implications for Nevada's political dynamics moving forward.