LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Governor-elect Aaron Ford addressed Nevadans following his historic victory in the gubernatorial race, unseating incumbent Governor Joe Lombardo.
Election results rolled in just after midnight, and by nearly 2 a.m., the race was officially called for the current Nevada attorney general.
The win marks a historic milestone: Ford will become not only Nevada’s first Black governor, but the first Black governor elected west of the Mississippi River.
Taking the stage to speak to supporters, Ford reflected on overcoming long odds.
“We did something that people said couldn’t be done,” Ford said. “They said it was impossible. They said there was too much money against us. There were too many powerful people opposed to us. But last night… we proved that your voices matter. We proved that the power belongs to the people. And we won.”
MORE ON FOX5: Democrat Aaron Ford defeats Joe Lombardo, becoming Nevada’s first Black governor
Ford focused heavily on everyday economic pressures, pledging that tackling the cost of living will be his top priority from day one. He announced plans to immediately issue an affordability emergency to direct state agencies to find ways to put money back into residents’ pockets, while working with federal partners to provide economic relief.
Reflecting on his own journey as a former single father and college student, Ford drew from personal times of hardship.
“There were times when I struggled to pay for food. There were times when rent was a weary hit. There were times when I quite literally didn’t have a place to live in college,” Ford said. “I stand before you tonight to tell you I understand your struggle, and I will fight like hell to lower your costs and to make Nevada affordable. We’re not going to wait, y’all. We’re going to tackle affordability starting on day one. We’re going to tackle the high cost of housing. We’re going to build more homes. We’re going to open the doors for first-time home buyers.”
In addition to housing, Ford emphasized plans to crack down on corporate home purchases, cut healthcare and prescription medication costs, and prevent utility rate hikes.
The governor-elect also shared an emotional moment at the podium thanking his family.
“Every time I get to this part, even when I practice a speech, your boy starts tearing up,” Ford said. “You are absolutely my greatest blessing.”
Ford also took a moment to acknowledge outgoing Governor Lombardo, thanking him for his service to the state.
“Joe graciously conceded victory to me,” Ford said. “I want to thank him for his dedication to the people of our state. Thank him for his leadership and for his willingness, oftentimes, sometimes, to work across partisan divides.”
Ford emphasized unity moving forward, telling Nevadans: “We don’t build a great Nevada by tearing each other down. We build it up by lifting each other up. So hear me tonight: Don’t let anyone convince you that where you begin decides where you finish.”
Lombardo formally conceded the race Wednesday morning and shared a message to social media calling for unity.
“Whether you cast your vote for me or Attorney General Ford, we are all Nevadans, and our shared future is far more important than the differences of any one election,” Lombardo wrote. “The campaign is behind us, and now is the time to come together.”
Aaron Ford will officially be sworn in as Nevada’s next governor in January.
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