In an interview after the primary election, Ford said voters continue to raise concerns about affordability and education. He described the state’s economy as the “Lombardo-Trump economy” and said his Affordable Nevada Plan would guide his campaign. Gov. Joe Lombardo is seeking re-election.

Ford said he would halt future tax abatements for data centers until the state audits companies that have already received breaks. He also said facilities should cover the cost of their own energy needs and grid upgrades, use clean energy and not shift costs onto other customers. Communities, he added, should not be compelled to host a facility they oppose. He cited concerns in Pahrump, Boulder City and Minden, including debate over a proposed data center in Yerington.

On household costs, Ford proposed working with lawmakers on prescription-drug, housing and energy relief. He said gas and diesel prices had climbed to nearly $7 because of the war in Iran, and criticized Lombardo for supporting the conflict and asking Congress for more funding. Ford also said he would coordinate with neighboring states on energy efficiency.

Ford pointed to a Las Vegas restaurant owner he said had told him tariffs raised her costs, stalled customer visits and forced her to reduce staffing. He argued that small businesses, rather than wealthy investors, are important job creators. The Retail Association of Nevada has endorsed his campaign, he said.

The attorney general also addressed Clark County School District’s $51 million in budget cuts, which could lead to teaching positions being moved or eliminated amid declining enrollment. Ford said the state should maintain closer working relationships with school districts between legislative sessions. He criticized Lombardo over $25 million spent on office furniture, saying the money could have been used for other priorities.

Responding to a campaign ad that cited furniture purchases and claimed he had spent more than 400 days out of state, Ford said his office did not request the curtains referenced in the ad. He disputed the travel figure, citing a Nevada Independent analysis that he said found he had taken 16 vacation days in seven and a half years. Ford said his work travel included coordination with officials in Mexico on fentanyl and firearms trafficking and negotiations on a $1.2 billion opioid settlement involving California.

Ford said crime had fallen 12% under his administration, crediting an approach that combines punishment with rehabilitation and support for people returning to their communities. He also said his office had helped secure compensation for people who were wrongly convicted.

On elections, Ford cited a Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranking that he said placed Nevada second in election security. He pledged to defend the state’s voting system in court and criticized Lombardo for supporting limits on mail voting. Ford also said he would sign legislation limiting corporate ownership of homes, claiming corporations own 25% of homes in North Las Vegas and 15% in Clark County and can outbid buyers relying on mortgages.

Ford cited a RealClearPolitics poll showing the governor’s race tied at 42% each and predicted a close contest. He said Lombardo had spent $20 million on negative advertising without changing the numbers.