Housing Takes Center Stage in Governor’s Race

The 2026 race for Nevada governor is intensifying as housing policy emerges as a central issue for candidates.

On Friday, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat seeking his party’s nomination, outlined his housing priorities during a roundtable discussion at the McKinley Arts & Culture Center.

Speaking to supporters, Ford emphasized the need to address corporate investors purchasing single-family homes. Ford also said he would seek to cap security deposits at one month’s rent if elected, bringing Nevada in line with states such as Alabama and Kansas.

Current law allows landlords to charge up to three months’ rent for unfurnished units and 1.5 months for furnished units. According to Zillow, the average rent in Nevada is $1,975. Ford additionally called for eliminating so-called junk fees in rental agreements.

Washoe County Commission Chair Alexis Hill, also running in the Democratic primary, agreed on limiting corporate landlords, adding that rent caps are getting ignored. Hill criticized both Ford’s approach and Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo’s housing strategy, saying Lombardo’s projects lack enough funding, while Ford’s plan lacks creativity.

Lombardo defended his record, citing more than $1 billion leveraged for housing, over 10,000 rental homes secured, and efforts to release federal land for development.

Ford and Hill will face each other in the June 9 primary. The winner will challenge Lombardo in the Nov. 3 general election.