The Midterm Editor's note: This page was last updated November 6, 2026. The result recorded below is a race call by a news organization, not a certified total; the state election office certifies the official count.
Result
Aaron Ford (D) unseated Governor Joe Lombardo (R). The Associated Press called the race on the night of November 3, 2026. Ford becomes Nevada's first Black governor, and the result gives Democrats full control of state government there.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Winner | Aaron Ford (D) |
| Called by | Associated Press, night of November 3, 2026 |
| Outcome | Democratic pickup |
A race call is a projection, not a certified total. County canvasses and state certification follow, as the certification calendar explains. The full map is on the governor results page.
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Office | Governor of Nevada, four-year term |
| Candidates | Joe Lombardo (R) and Aaron Ford (D) |
| Incumbent | Joe Lombardo (R), elected 2022 |
| Election Day | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 |
| Ballot option | Statewide races include a "None of These Candidates" line |
| All races | 2026 governor races hub |
| Voting guide | How to vote in Nevada |
| Race rating | See Cook, Sabato, and DDHQ for current ratings and dates |
| Official results | Nevada Secretary of State |
What the race decides
Nevada's governor appoints agency heads, signs the budget, and holds a veto that the legislature can override with a two-thirds vote. The state has no income tax, so the budget leans heavily on sales, gaming, and mining revenue, and the governor's proposals on those taxes shape every legislative session.
Water is the issue that does not go away. Southern Nevada draws most of its supply from the Colorado River, and the river's shrinking flow has forced cuts that the state has to absorb. The next governor will negotiate within the compact that governs the river and decide how aggressively the state pursues conservation and recycling.
Housing and the cost of living are the other dominant themes. Las Vegas and Reno have both seen rents rise faster than wages, and the state's homeless population has grown. Tourism and hospitality employ a large share of the workforce, so the health of the visitor economy is also a state budget question.
Who is running
Joe Lombardo (Republican). Lombardo was elected governor in 2022 after serving as Clark County sheriff, according to state records. He has campaigned on his first-term record, including his budget and his disputes with the Democratic legislature.
Aaron Ford (Democratic). Ford has served as Nevada attorney general since 2019, according to state records, and previously served in the state Senate. He has campaigned on housing costs, abortion rights, and schools.
Other candidates. Nevada ballots include a "None of These Candidates" option in statewide races, and the secretary of state publishes the certified list of names for each county.
Polls and ratings
We do not publish an unsourced poll number. Nevada's electorate is small enough that a few thousand votes can decide a statewide race, and polls of the state carry margins of error of several points:
- 270toWin's 2026 governor map — state-by-state polling and ratings.
- RealClearPolitics — a rolling average of published Nevada surveys.
- Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball — race ratings with dates.
A rating is a judgment about the state of a race, not a forecast. Check the date before you rely on one.
The 2028 angle
Nevada has six electoral votes and has voted for the winner in most recent presidential elections, which keeps it on every 2028 target list. The governor does not run the presidential contest, but the office controls a state party's practical resources and decides how state agencies approach election administration. A governor from either party would be part of the national conversation.
How to vote in Nevada
Nevada conducts all-mail elections and sends a ballot to every registered voter, but in-person voting and same-day registration are also available. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or returned to a drop box or voting center by the close of polls, and polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Check your registration and ballot status at the Nevada secretary of state. Our voting hub covers deadlines and ID rules for every state.
What to watch
- Clark County. Las Vegas and its suburbs hold roughly three-quarters of the state's voters, and no statewide candidate wins without them.
- The "none of these candidates" line. In a close race, the option can take a small but real share and complicate how the result is read.
- Turnout among hospitality workers. Shift schedules make voting harder, and both parties organize around casino and hotel employees.
Results
Results were reported after polls closed on November 3, 2026. Counties report to the secretary of state, and mail ballots that arrive after Election Day can extend the count. Our results hub explains how race calls are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is running for governor of Nevada in 2026?
Joe Lombardo (R), the incumbent, and Aaron Ford (D), the state attorney general, are the major-party candidates, according to late-October reporting.
Is Joe Lombardo running for re-election?
Yes. Lombardo was elected in 2022 and is seeking a second term.
What is the "none of these candidates" option in Nevada?
Nevada ballots include a line that lets a voter reject every named candidate in a statewide race. It can appear on the ballot alongside the listed candidates, and its share is reported with the results.
When is Election Day in Nevada?
Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Every registered voter receives a mail ballot, and in-person voting is available before and on Election Day.
Where can I find polls for the Nevada governor race?
Use a tracker that dates its averages, such as 270toWin or RealClearPolitics, and check the sponsor and field dates on any individual poll.
Sources
- 270toWin: 2026 governor elections — race list, polling, and ratings. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Nevada Secretary of State — registration, ballot, and results. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Cook Political Report — race ratings. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Sabato's Crystal Ball — race ratings. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Associated Press — Nevada coverage and race calls. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- National Conference of State Legislatures — state election rules. Accessed October 28, 2026.
Last updated October 28, 2026. The candidate field is based on late-October reporting and should be re-checked against the certified ballot.