Elections · Nevada
Trump makes Election Day post backing Gov. Joe Lombardo in Nevada's close race against Attorney General Aaron Ford
President Donald Trump urged Nevadans on social media to re-elect Gov. Joe Lombardo on Election Day. The Las Vegas Sun reported the late boost could cut both ways in a race expected to hinge on nonpartisan voters.
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What happened
President Donald Trump stepped into Nevada's race for governor on Tuesday, Election Day, with a social media post urging voters to give Gov. Joe Lombardo another term, the Las Vegas Sun reported. In the same post, Trump called Lombardo's opponent, Attorney General Aaron Ford, a "radical left Democrat," according to the Sun.
The Sun reported that the contest is expected to be close. The newspaper said the last-minute show of support may be a mixed blessing for Lombardo.
Why the timing could cut both ways
Lombardo's distance from Trump
According to the Sun, Lombardo has kept Trump at arm's length for much of the campaign. Ford, meanwhile, has worked at every turn to tie the governor and the president together, the Sun reported.
The two men have shared a stage this year. A Sun photo caption shows Lombardo speaking during a Trump rally at Red Rock Casino on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, with the president listening.
The role of nonpartisan voters
The Sun reported that the outcome is expected to hinge on nonpartisan voters, who make up about 38% of the electorate. Some of those voters have soured on the president, according to the newspaper. With that in mind, the Sun said Trump's post could hand Ford's campaign one final talking point.
Energizing the Republican base
The endorsement also has a potential upside for Lombardo. Trump carried Nevada in 2024, the Sun noted, and his backing could help energize the governor's Republican base.
What the campaign has been about
Rising costs and affordability
Rising costs have kept the race tight, the Sun reported. According to the newspaper, Ford's campaign has centered on affordability in its challenge to the sitting governor.
Tourism, tariffs and immigration
Ford's campaign has also linked Lombardo to a sluggish tourism economy, according to the Sun. The campaign blames that sluggish economy on Trump's tariffs and immigration policies, the Sun reported.
More Election Day coverage
Trump's post came on Election Day. Readers who still plan to vote can review our guide on how to vote and return your ballot in Nevada.
For a wider look at what is on the ballot, see our rundown of Nevada governor and House races to watch. We have also explained how legislative races could shape the next governor's power once the results are in.
What to watch next
- The result of the governor's race between Lombardo and Ford, which the Las Vegas Sun reported is expected to be close.
- How nonpartisan voters, about 38% of the electorate according to the Sun, break in the contest.
- Whether Trump's Election Day post helps energize Lombardo's Republican base or becomes a final talking point for Ford's campaign.
