Who’s running in Nevada’s 2026 Governor race?
The 2026 Nevada Governor election is shaping up to be a closely watched contest in a politically competitive state. Incumbent Republican Governor Joe Lombardo is seeking re-election, facing challengers from both major parties. This article outlines who is running, the election process, and the major issues at stake. Readers will find all the essential details on the Nevada Governor race to make sense of the upcoming election.
Who is running in the 2026 Nevada Governor election?
Nevada voters will select their next Governor in the 2026 election. The office is held by Joe Lombardo, a Republican who is running for re-election. Nevada is considered a purple state, with both Democratic and Republican parties holding significant statewide offices. While Republicans currently hold the Governor’s office as well as the lieutenant governor and state controller positions, Democrats hold other key roles and control the legislature. Since 1998, Republicans have won every Nevada gubernatorial election except for the 2018 cycle. The 2026 Nevada Governor race has been characterized by some as tilting Republican, reflecting general trends in recent statewide elections. No term limits prevent the incumbent from running again.
Candidates in the 2026 Nevada Governor election
Democratic candidates include Aaron Ford, the current Nevada Attorney General, who has served since 2019. According to the summaries, his endorsements include prominent figures such as Catherine Cortez Masto, Jacky Rosen, and key labor and advocacy groups. Alexis Hill, another Democratic candidate, chairs the Washoe County Commission and has served in that role since 2023. On the Republican side, incumbent Governor Joe Lombardo is officially declared and seeking a second term. He previously served as Clark County Sheriff and was first elected Governor in 2022. His endorsements, include Donald Trump, Dan Coverley, and the Clark County Education Association. Another Republican candidate is Irina Hansen, a salon owner and 2024 Las Vegas mayoral candidate, also officially declared in the race. There are no officially listed independent or other party candidates as of the provided data.
The 2026 Nevada Gubernatorial Election Details
The 2026 Nevada gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026. Republican and Democratic candidates will compete in party primaries to determine who will advance to the general election. There is no indication of nonpartisan blanket primaries or ranked-choice voting based on the available summaries. The state’s political landscape is highly competitive, with party control split across executive offices and the Legislature. Incumbents and new challengers from both major parties are participating, and some former officials have expressed public interest though have not formally declared. According to provided summaries, the race is expected to be competitive, with the incumbent Governor facing both primary and general election opposition. Detailed candidate and campaign information is available on various official and analytical election resources.
Polling and outlook for the Nevada Governor race
Polling conducted by Noble Predictive Insights in October 2025 shows incumbent Governor Joe Lombardo leading Attorney General Aaron Ford by a margin of 40% to 37%, with 23% of voters undecided. Lombardo’s strongest support comes from suburban residents, independents, and Clark County, while Ford leads among Hispanic/Latino voters by a notable margin. Although Nevada voters rate Democrats as slightly more suitable to govern, Lombardo retains a lead over both Ford and a generic Democratic challenger in polling. Job approval for Lombardo stands at a net positive, and both top candidates have similar net favorability. The large share of undecided voters means that the race remains competitive, and external assessments characterize the contest as a tossup to leaning Republican.
Key issues in the 2026 Nevada Governor election
Key issues likely to affect voters in the 2026 Nevada Governor race include the cost of essentials, jobs and the economy, housing affordability, overall economic performance, and cost of living. These concerns are particularly relevant given recent economic uncertainties in the state. Economic issues and affordability have been central topics throughout candidate discussions and polling summaries, reflecting the priorities of Nevada voters. The candidates are expected to focus their campaigns on these and related matters as the election approaches.
Partner with Sutton & Smart for your campaign needs
Campaign professionals, candidates, and organizations can rely on Sutton & Smart for services such as petition gathering, voter outreach, canvassing, and comprehensive political consulting for Nevada elections.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Nevada_gubernatorial_election
https://silverstateelection.nv.gov/ballot-questions/
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Jon Sutton
An expert in management, strategy, and field organizing, Jon has been a frequent commentator in national publications.
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