Former President Barack Obama endorses Attorney General Aaron Ford in Nevada's race for governor against Gov. Joe Lombardo

What happened

Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, the Democrat running for governor, according to the Las Vegas Sun. Ford's campaign announced the endorsement this morning, the Sun reported.

Obama offered his support in a 48-second video. In it, he praised Ford's work as the state's top lawyer and focused on affordability, which the Sun described as the centerpiece of Ford's campaign.

Ford is challenging incumbent Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo. The Sun's report sets up a contest between a challenger backed by a Democratic former president and an incumbent endorsed by the sitting Republican president.

What Obama said in the video

Ford's record as attorney general

In the video, Obama said Ford has "gone to bat for Nevadans" as attorney general, as quoted by the Sun. Obama credited Ford with helping reduce violent crime and holding drug companies accountable. He also pointed to Ford challenging utility companies over what Obama called unfair electric bills.

Promises on costs, housing and taxes

Obama then turned to what Ford would do if elected. "As governor, Aaron will keep fighting for you, lowering costs, making housing affordable, and holding the line on your taxes," Obama says in the video, according to the Sun.

The message matches the theme Ford has made central to his bid. Obama's remarks covered three areas: everyday costs, housing and taxes.

How the race lines up

Trump's backing of Lombardo

Lombardo has the support of President Donald Trump, whom the Sun called the Republican Party's biggest name. Trump endorsed Lombardo in November 2025. Lombardo also appeared at Trump's Las Vegas rally in August, according to the Sun.

Obama's history in Nevada

Obama carried Nevada in both 2008 and 2012, the Sun noted. His endorsement brings a former president who won the state twice into the race on Ford's side. For more on what is at stake, see our earlier look at the Nevada governor's race.

Part of a string of endorsements

The Sun reported that the Ford endorsement is the latest in a series of picks Obama has made for Democratic candidates this cycle. Others include Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, who is seeking reelection, and Abdul El-Sayed, who is running for U.S. Senate in Michigan.

The Sun's report did not include a response from Lombardo's campaign to the endorsement. Readers following the candidates and the voting process can find more in our elections coverage.

What to watch next

• The outcome of the governor's race between Ford, now endorsed by Obama, and incumbent Gov. Joe Lombardo, endorsed by Trump in November 2025.
• The other races where Obama has made endorsements this cycle, which the Sun said include Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs's reelection bid and Abdul El-Sayed's U.S. Senate campaign in Michigan.