Lombardo, Ford shift focus to general election after Nevada governor primary wins

Nevada Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and Democrat Aaron Ford have won their primaries, NBC News projects, officially setting up what’s expected to be one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in the fall

Nevada Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and Democrat Aaron Ford have won their primaries, NBC News projects, officially setting up what’s expected to be one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in the fall.

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Lombardo, the former Clark County sheriff, easily secured his party’s nomination over several low-profile challengers as he seeks a second term. Ford defeated Washoe County commissioner in the Democratic contest, taking roughly two-thirds of the vote.

Since Lombardo won his first gubernatorial election in Nevada, a perennial swing state, by less than 2 percentage points in 2022, he has emerged as a top Democratic target for defeat. Of the five governor’s races the nonpartisan Cook Political Report with Amy Walter rated as “toss-ups,” Nevada’s is the only one with a Republican running for re-election.