Ford challenges Lombardo to debates after declining to debate in primary 

Attorney General Aaron Ford, who refused to debate his opponent in the Democratic primary campaign for governor, is calling on Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo to take part in at least three debates in the months before the general election in November. 

“Lombardo has spent three and a half years avoiding press, dodging questions, and refusing accountability – while Nevada families have gotten crushed by the worst cost-of-living crisis in the state’s recent history,” Ford said in a news release Wednesday.  

Lombardo’s campaign had not responded to a request for comment by late Wednesday afternoon. In 2022, Lombardo took part in one debate with Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat who Lombardo defeated in the general election. 

The race between Ford and Lombardo is expected to be among the most competitive in the nation. 

Ford’s campaign said Nevadans deserve to hear directly from Lombardo about “why he lies down for Donald Trump, and why he continues to put his billionaire donors over everyday Nevadans.” 

In March, Ford told the Current why he declined to debate his primary opponent, Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill. “What I have learned is that talking directly to voters is the best way to get the word out,” he said.  

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for Ford’s campaign would not say what has changed since Ford refused to debate Hill. 

“The election has always been about Joe Lombardo and Donald Trump’s failed economic record and how to get Nevada’s economy working again for working people,” the spokesperson said.