Latest news with #Nevadans
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
One of America's most at-risk GOP governors gets a Democratic challenger
It's hard to unseat an incumbent governor. But Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has a plan to try. The Democrat announced his campaign for governor Monday, entering the race with just over 10 months to go until the primary. Once a recipient of food stamps and Medicaid benefits, Ford now plans to run against Republicans' cuts to those same programs, which he says will deeply impact Nevadans. 'It was Medicaid that enabled my son and me to have the health care we needed in order to be able to survive. It was food stamps that kept us fed,' Ford said in an interview, explaining that he and his son used these programs for a year and a half when he was a single father attending college. 'It hits me … particularly hard to know that people are about to be hit in those areas.' If he wins the primary, Ford will likely face Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, who is expected to run for reelection. Lombardo surprised many by unseating incumbent Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak in 2022, and is widely considered to be the most at-risk incumbent Republican governor headed into 2026. Ford, an outspoken attorney general who has sued the Trump administration on everything from education funding to AmeriCorps over the last six months, is not the only Democrat vying for the governor's office. Washoe County Commission Chair Alexis Hill also said she plans to run for governor, setting up a competitive primary. Nevada is a purple state that likes to split tickets: Both President Donald Trump and Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen won Nevada in 2024 — Trump with just under 51 percent of the vote. The state joins Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin as one of the five toss-up gubernatorial races in 2026, according to the Cook Political Report. Medicaid has become a major campaign point for Democrats across the country, and Ford is already framing his race through that lens. In a conversation with POLITICO the week before announcing his campaign, Ford talked about the negative effects the megabill will have on Nevadans and criticized Lombardo's response to the legislation — accusing him of being silent on cuts that would harm Nevadans. Lombardo in February asked the White House not to slash Medicaid funding, and in May was one of just seven governors who did not sign a letter in support of the bill. But in July, Lombardo complimented other parts of the legislation, including a provision that removes taxes on tips and overtime. The tip tax policy could have a big impact in a state like Nevada, where many residents work in the service and hospitality industries. 'While my administration continues to assess this bill as it moves to get signed into law, Nevadans should be excited about the potential impacts of tax cuts, investments in small businesses and American manufacturing, and efforts to help secure our border,' Lombardo said in a statement provided to the Las Vegas Review-Journal after the bill's passage. Ford last week attacked that statement, arguing that nobody should be 'excited about the fact that over 100,000 people in Nevada are about to lose their health insurance.' The attorney general argued that Medicaid cuts will have a larger long-term impact on Nevadans than the benefits of removing taxes on tips. 'One of the fascinating parts about Nevada is that it is notoriously purple,' Ford said. 'And it is not at all adverse to jettisoning an incumbent that's not doing his job.'
The Hill
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Nevada attorney general launches bid to unseat Lombardo
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford (D) is launching a bid to unseat Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) next year as Democrats look to flip the governor's mansion in the pivotal swing state. 'I'm running for Governor because Nevadans need a fighter in their corner,' Ford said in a statement released on Monday. 'I will work to lower the crushing cost of housing and prescription drugs, strengthen our public schools, and ensure every community in Nevada is safe.' Ford touted his background as a former math teacher who also served as majority leader of the state Senate. He argued that under the GOP governor, 'Nevadans are suffering in an economy that is rigged against those trying their hardest to stay afloat' and hit him over issues like the state's high unemployment rate and homelessness. Ford is not the only Democrat interested in taking on Lombardo; Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill is also eyeing a run on the Democratic side. Lombardo, a former Clark County sheriff, dealt Democrats a blow in 2022 when he defeated first-term Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) by more than a point. His win was a bright spot for Republicans given he was the only GOP candidate to flip a Democratic governor's spot in what was a largely disappointing election year for the party. Nevada, of course, is no stranger to tight races and split-ticket voting. President Trump carried the state against former Vice President Harris by 3 points in November while Sen. Jacky Rosen defeated Republican candidate Sam Brown by close to 2 points. The Silver State, along with Georgia, are seen as Democrats' best opportunities to flip governors' mansions next year. The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates the governor's seat in Nevada and Georgia both as toss-ups.
Politico
3 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
One of America's most at-risk GOP governors gets a Democratic challenger
'It was Medicaid that enabled my son and me to have the health care we needed in order to be able to survive. It was food stamps that kept us fed,' Ford said in an interview, explaining that he and his son used these programs for a year and a half when he was a single father attending college. 'It hits me … particularly hard to know that people are about to be hit in those areas.' If he wins the primary, Ford will likely face Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, who is expected to run for reelection. Lombardo surprised many by unseating incumbent Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak in 2022, and is widely considered to be the most at-risk incumbent Republican governor headed into 2026. Ford, an outspoken AG who has sued the Trump administration on everything from education funding to AmeriCorps over the last six months, is not the only Democrat vying for the governor's office. Washoe County Commission Chair Alexis Hill also said she plans to run for governor, setting up a competitive primary. Nevada is a purple state that likes to split tickets: Both President Donald Trump and Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen won Nevada in 2024 — Trump with just under 51 percent of the vote. The state joins Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin as one of the five toss-up gubernatorial races in 2026, according to the Cook Political Report. Medicaid has become a major campaign point for Democrats across the country, and Ford is already framing his race through that lens. In a conversation with POLITICO the week before announcing his campaign, Ford talked about the negative effects the megabill will have on Nevadans and criticized Lombardo's response to the legislation — accusing him of being silent on cuts that would harm Nevadans. Lombardo in February asked the White House not to slash Medicaid funding, and in May was one of just seven governors who did not sign a letter in support of the bill. But in July, Lombardo complimented other parts of the legislation, including a provision that removes taxes on tips and overtime. The tip tax policy could have a big impact in a state like Nevada, where many residents work in the service and hospitality industries. 'While my administration continues to assess this bill as it moves to get signed into law, Nevadans should be excited about the potential impacts of tax cuts, investments in small businesses and American manufacturing, and efforts to help secure our border,' Lombardo said in a statement provided to the Las Vegas Review-Journal after the bill's passage. Ford last week attacked that statement, arguing that nobody should be 'excited about the fact that over 100,000 people in Nevada are about to lose their health insurance.' The AG argued that Medicaid cuts will have a larger long-term impact on Nevadans than the benefits of removing taxes on tips. 'One of the fascinating parts about Nevada is that it is notoriously purple,' Ford said. 'And it is not at all adverse to jettisoning an incumbent that's not doing his job.'
Axios
6 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Focus groups: Nevada swing voters turning on Trump
A majority of Nevada swing voters in our latest Engagious / Sago focus groups who backed President Trump in November said they now disapprove of his administration's actions. Why it matters: These swing voters' assessment of the administration were the most negative of any of our monthly panels this year besides March, when Michigan voters recoiled against Trump's tariff threats and antagonism toward neighbor Canada. The big picture: Concerns about inflation, the "big, beautiful bill" and the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein's associates drove the change of heart for the Nevada voters. The Nevadans' comments amplify downward trends for Trump that are emerging in several national polls. Seven of the 12 participants said they disapprove of the administration's overall actions since January, while two said they are neutral and three said they are supportive. Asked which is more important to them — inflation or Epstein — 10 of the 12 participants said inflation. What they're saying:"I disapprove because I was hoping that the basic cost of living would go down, gas prices, grocery prices, and for the most part I haven't seen any change," said Nicole M., 47. Tammy S., 52, said Trump made promises that he "just didn't deliver on." "While Democrats continue to pummel the president over the Epstein case, they're ignoring Nevada swing voters' immediate concern: the stubbornly high cost of living," said Rich Thau, President of Engagious, who moderated the focus groups. Panelists also expressed broadly negative views about the Democratic Party, hinting at challenges for Democrats trying to flip control of Congress in the midterms. How it works: Axios observed two Engagious / Sago online focus groups Tuesday night with 12 Nevadans, all from Clark County, who voted for Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024. Ten are independents and two are Republicans. While a focus group is not a statistically significant sample like a poll, the responses show how some voters are thinking and talking about current events. The details: All 12 respondents knew Trump had signed into law something called the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," but most were confused over the details. When it came to the Medicaid provisions in the new law, ten of 12 said they liked the tighter work requirements — but because of provisions that could cause millions of people to lose health coverage, nine of the 12 said they oppose the Medicaid provisions. Similarly, there was confusion around the legislation's No Tax on Tips aspect — a salient issue in Las Vegas' economy. Once they read details, all 12 said "no taxes on tips" would be an inaccurate description. Five of the 12 concluded that they liked the law, while four were neutral and three dislike it. All 12 respondents knew who Epstein was. Eight said they believe there's a cover-up around his clients and associates and that they want full transparency, and most of those were suspicious about Trump being engaged in a cover-up to protect his own reputation. Said Mary M., 44: "It just feels like typical Trump deflection, right? Give me a straight answer about Jeff Epstein and let's move forward, right?" "I believe they're all guilty, but who is being protected?" said Cymbra V., 61. "I think it's very, very problematic that Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of trafficking, but we have no idea who she trafficked to. And Trump said he was going to be transparent."
NBC News
21-07-2025
- Business
- NBC News
The long arm of Trump's new law: From the Politics Desk
Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team's latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail. Happy Monday! On this day one year ago, Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race. In today's edition, we dive into the early financial and political impacts of the 'big, beautiful bill' and how the White House is trying to shift attention away from the Epstein files. — Adam Wollner The long arm of Trump's new law It has been more than two weeks since President Donald Trump signed the 'big, beautiful bill' into law. But the impacts of what is likely to be the signature legislation of Trump's second term are only starting to be felt, both financially and politically. Final price tag: The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released its final score of the sprawling 887-page bill today, Sahil Kapur reports. The CBO projected the law will add $3.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. It found that the law's net spending cuts of $1.1 trillion are outstripped by the $4.5 trillion in decreased revenue, compared with if the measure had not passed. The law will also 'increase by 10 million the number of people without health insurance' by 2034, according to the CBO. Latest poll numbers: A new survey released over the weekend showed Republicans have their work cut out for them in selling the law to the public. Just 39% of U.S. adults said they approved of the 'big, beautiful bill,' according to a CBS News/YouGov poll, while 61% disapproved. That's roughly in line with what other polls found ahead of the legislation's final passage. The CBS News/YouGov survey also found that a majority (54%) said they thought the law will increase their health care costs and that a plurality (40%) said it would increase their taxes — even thought it extends the tax cuts Trump signed into law during his first term. And while 61% said they thought the package would help wealthy people, far less said it would help the middle class (28%) and poor people (24%). That all helps to explain why some Republicans are trying to shift their messaging and cast the bill as a tax benefit for 'working families,' highlighting the move away from taxes on tips and overtime in particular. In the states: As the law is implemented in the coming months and years, its effects will be felt differently state by state. Adam Edelman notes that many of the biggest political fights stemming from the tax cut and spending are already converging in battleground Nevada. About 1 in 3 Nevadans are on Medicaid, according to data from the state and KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group. But unlike some other states, which may be able to shift funds around in their budgets to build financial support for affected residents, Nevada's hands are largely tied. It has no state income tax, and a state constitutional provision requires a two-thirds majority to raise revenue. Then there are the new law's tax provisions related to tipped employees and gamblers, which will have an outsize effect on a state whose economy relies almost exclusively on casinos and hospitality. In 2026, Gov. Joe Lombardo — who has walked a fine line between offering praise for certain aspects of the megabill while pushing back against others — is seen as the most vulnerable Republican governor up for re-election. And Nevada's battleground 3rd District, represented by Democratic Rep. Susie Lee, will be the site of a key race in the fight for the House majority. And in 2028, Nevada will most likely again host critical contests for the White House and the Senate. Amid Epstein fallout, the Trump administration turns to MAGA's other greatest hits By Ryan J. Reilly and Henry J. Gomez Facing backlash from MAGA supporters about the handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, President Donald Trump and his administration have released a flood of information on old grievances and issues popular with the base. Overnight, Trump used his Truth Social platform to attack Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., post a fake artificial intelligence-generated video showing former President Barack Obama being arrested by the FBI and share AI-generated mug shots of a variety of Democratic officials who have served as Republican bogeymen over the years. Trump also weighed in on another MAGA favorite — the names of sports teams — and threatened to try to block a deal to build a new football stadium in Washington, D.C., unless the Commanders changed their name back to the Redskins. The team dropped that name in 2019, after years of criticism that it was racist. The intensity of the Epstein conversation has dampened since last week, after the Trump administration had to contend with many of its MAGA supporters who were furious that officials weren't releasing more information about the files. On Friday, Trump sued The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch after the Journal published an article saying Trump sent a letter to Epstein in 2003 that included a drawing of a naked woman. By today, many prominent MAGA social media accounts appeared to have moved on from the Epstein issues, focusing instead on some of the other topics the Trump administration has been pushing. The Justice Department and other agencies released files today that have long been the subjects of conspiracies. But they weren't Epstein documents; they were documents about Hillary Clinton and more than 230,000 pages related to the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been a particular target of the MAGA base's ire. 'Saying Trump posts random stuff to distract is like saying the sun rises to mess with your sleep schedule,' a former Trump adviser said. 'It's just what it does.'
