Ford Raises $1.5M in Challenge for Nevada Governor's Seat

Lombardo, the Republican incumbent, has yet to file his fundraising numbers.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a Nevada state capitol building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.The Nevada gubernatorial race heats up as the incumbent Republican faces a well-funded Democratic challenger, exposing the state's political divisions.Las Vegas Today

Democrat Aaron Ford's campaign announced that he raised nearly $1.5 million in the first three months of 2026 to challenge Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo for the Nevada governor's seat. Ford's campaign described it as a record amount for a non-incumbent, with contributions from 13,000 individual donors, 90% of which were $80 or less.

Why it matters

The fundraising numbers provide an early indication of the resources each candidate will have to wage their campaigns. As the incumbent, Lombardo is expected to have a substantial fundraising lead, but Ford's strong early showing suggests he will be a formidable challenger. The race for Nevada governor is seen as a key battleground that could have national implications.

The details

Ford's campaign said he received contributions from 13,000 individual donors and had nearly $2.7 million cash-on-hand. Lombardo's campaign was expected to make an announcement on his fundraising later on Monday. Lombardo is expected to have a substantial fundraising lead because he had $15 million at the start of the year. Ford's Democratic opponent in the primary, Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill, criticized Ford's statement, saying he is "co-opting the language of a grassroots campaign" and accepting money from special interests and corporations.

  • Ford's campaign announced the fundraising numbers on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • The first three months of 2026 were the fundraising period covered in Ford's announcement.

The players

Aaron Ford

The Democratic candidate challenging Republican incumbent Joe Lombardo for the Nevada governor's seat.

Joe Lombardo

The Republican incumbent governor of Nevada, who is expected to run for re-election.

Alexis Hill

Washoe County Commissioner and Democratic primary opponent of Aaron Ford in the race for Nevada governor.

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What they’re saying

“Attorney General Ford has visited all 17 of Nevada's counties, hearing firsthand how the Lombardo-Trump economy is squeezing residents with record-high costs. Nevadans are tired of watching the rich get richer while they struggle to make ends meet each month. They're looking for a Governor with the experience and vision for delivering real, affordable solutions to lower the cost of living and make our state affordable. They're finding that in Aaron Ford.”

— Zoë Kleinfeld, Campaign Manager

“Ford is co-opting the language of a grassroots campaign. He's accepting money from special interests and corporations, and he's prioritized raising money from out of state. If he were actually listening to voters, he'd know they want him to answer their questions.”

— Alexis Hill, Washoe County Commissioner

What’s next

Lombardo's campaign is expected to release its fundraising numbers later on Monday, providing a clearer picture of the resources each candidate will have to wage their campaigns.

The takeaway

The strong early fundraising numbers for Aaron Ford suggest he will be a formidable challenger to the incumbent Republican governor, Joe Lombardo. However, Lombardo is expected to have a substantial fundraising lead, and the race for Nevada governor is likely to be highly competitive and closely watched nationally.