Aaron Ford Defeats Lombardo to Become Nevada's First Black Governor

Aaron Ford, Nevada’s attorney general, defeated Governor Joe Lombardo on Tuesday to become the state’s first Black governor — a victory that hands Democrats a reproductive freedom trifecta in Carson City, Reproductive Freedom for All reported.

Question 6 Passes Again, Writing Abortion Rights Into the Constitution

The win, paired with voters approving Question 6 for the second time to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, puts a proven defender of reproductive access in the governor’s office. Reproductive Freedom for All endorsed Ford through My Body. My Ballot., a $23.5 million campaign and the organization’s largest-ever midterm electoral program, mobilizing its more than 57,000 members in the state.

Nevada Democrat Aaron Ford defeats Republican Joe Lombardo to become governor

A Record of Defending Abortion Access

As attorney general, Ford opposed Republican-led abortion restrictions and worked to preserve access to medication abortion. His platform emphasized expanding Medicaid reimbursement for abortion procedures and reducing cost barriers for over-the-counter contraceptives.

Lombardo, during his time as governor, celebrated the fall of Roe v. Wade, supported an abortion ban in Nevada, and vetoed protections for contraception access.

“A True Champion of the People”

“Nevadans secured a historic victory tonight by electing Aaron Ford—a true champion of the people and proven defender of abortion access—and sending anti-abortion politician Joe Lombardo packing,” said Reproductive Freedom for All President and CEO Mini Timmaraju.

“Nevadans finally have a fighter for reproductive freedom in the governor’s office. Voters clearly rejected Joe Lombardo’s dangerous efforts to restrict reproductive freedom, and now Aaron Ford will leverage his office to protect patients and providers,” said Reproductive Freedom for All Director of Nevada Campaigns Denise Lopez.

Ford Now Tasked With Enforcing the New Constitutional Protections

Reproductive Freedom for All Nevada led the 2026 effort through Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom, the coalition supporting Question 6, which launched a $1 million digital ad campaign in September explaining the amendment’s stakes. As governor, Ford will be responsible for ensuring those constitutional protections are fully implemented and enforced.