Pro-Lombardo PAC launches major ad campaign against top Democratic contender Aaron Ford
A pro-Gov. Joe Lombardo PAC is launching the first major advertising campaign in Nevada's 2026 governor's race, attacking Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford for his "high-flying" out-of-state travel.
The seven-figure campaign launching Monday from the pro-Lombardo Better Nevada PAC is running on statewide streaming services and the Reno broadcast market. Early spending on the 30-second advertisement underscores Republicans' belief that Ford's trips in office are a significant vulnerability.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal analyzed Ford's official 2024 calendar and drew attention to the 137 days Ford spent out of Nevada in 2024.
The ad calls Ford "high-flying" for traveling to locations such as France, Singapore, Taiwan and the Yucatán. In comparison, Lombardo's calendar shows he spent about 30 days out of state in 2024. Calendars, however, may not always contain full details of officials' locations or activities.
"Nevada doesn't need a globe-trotting politician," the ad states. "Why promote him for governor?"
Ford is facing a primary challenge from Washoe County Commission Chair Alexis Hill. Most public polls have focused on Lombardo and Ford, however, indicating Lombardo with a slight lead.
The Nevada Independent has requested Ford and Lombardo's calendars for the past year and other constitutional officials' calendars to see how travel patterns compare and has requested an interview with Ford on the matter.
In the past, Ford's gubernatorial campaign staff have highlighted the trips as a way to work with other people across the country on issues such as labor and sex trafficking, drug abuse and cybercrime. Of the 137 days Ford was not in Nevada in 2024, his office staff told the Review-Journal that 98 were for work and 33 were for events associated with prominent Black leaders.
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