LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom made a campaign stop on Las Vegas’ historic Westside Saturday, saying Nevada could help decide the country’s political direction this year.
Newsom, speaking in his capacity as a member of the Democratic Governors Association, called the governor’s race in Nevada one of his party’s top priorities, describing it as a close contest that could shift control of the governor’s office from Republicans to Democrats. Democratic Party nominee and current Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is running against incumbent Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo.
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Newsom also pointed to shared issues including water, the Colorado River and Lake Tahoe as reasons California is watching Nevada’s elections closely.
“That relationship matters to us in the state of California. And so our state of mind is firmly fixed on what happens here in November… and of course, what happens in 2026,” Newsom said.
Democrats open new field office
Newsom appeared with Congressman Steven Horsford and Attorney General Aaron Ford as Democrats opened a new field office for the 4th Congressional District and trained volunteers for door-to-door outreach.
Horsford, whose district he described as one of the 30 most competitive House races in the country, said Democrats cannot win back the House majority without holding the seat. He said the road to a House majority runs through Nevada.
Lombardo has framed his campaign around building a safer, stronger and more prosperous Nevada, while touting work on education, public safety and the housing crisis.
Newsom on 2028
When asked about a potential 2028 presidential run, Newsom did not rule it out, saying he had previously acknowledged thinking about it when asked directly. He said he would let “fate” determine whether he enters the race.
Newsom said he plans to visit other states ahead of the midterms, with a particular focus on the South and voting rights issues.
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