Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo is using California Governor Gavin Newsom’s policies and endorsements to attack his Democratic opponent, Attorney General Aaron Ford, in the current election cycle.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo is campaigning for reelection by linking his Democratic challenger, Attorney General Aaron Ford, to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Lombardo’s campaign is actively criticizing Newsom’s energy policies and his endorsement of Ford, aiming to influence Nevada swing voters. The strategy serves as a potential preview for 2028, as Newsom is viewed as a possible presidential candidate who would need to perform well in Nevada, an early-voting state.

Economic Arguments and Fuel Prices

Lombardo argues that Nevada’s high fuel prices are a direct result of California’s energy regulations, noting that Nevada imports a majority of its gasoline from its neighbor. He contends that California’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and refinery closures increase supply costs that Nevada families ultimately pay. Conversely, Attorney General Aaron Ford and other Democrats attribute rising fuel costs to global factors, such as the war that began in February, rather than California's policies.

Political Strategy and Polling

The Better Nevada PAC, which supports Lombardo, has launched an advertising campaign featuring billboards and digital ads that highlight Newsom’s endorsement of Ford. The PAC claims internal polling shows Newsom’s favorability is significantly underwater in Nevada. Meanwhile, sources close to Newsom suggest his team is not concerned by the Republican focus, citing a November 2025 Emerson poll that shows Newsom leading the hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary field in Nevada.