Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, Democratic candidate for governor in 2026, is facing formal scrutiny from the Nevada Commission on Ethics after a review panel advanced a complaint alleging misuse of his public office.
The complaint, filed by retired Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Bernie Zadrowski, alleges Ford violated multiple provisions of Nevada ethics law, including using his position for personal gain, improperly using government resources, accepting inappropriate gifts or benefits, and influencing subordinates.
According to the filing, Zadrowski cited more than 100 examples of potential violations, including allegations that Ford blurred the line between his official role and political campaign activity through social media.
If the commission ultimately determines that violations were willful, Ford could face financial penalties.
Records cited in the complaint and reported by local media focus in part on travel tied to a nonprofit organization called the Attorney General Alliance. The complaint alleges Ford accepted more than $35,000 in travel connected to the group, which is funded in part by corporate sponsors. Overall, the filing claims Ford’s travel is paid by outside entities, exceeding $140,000 during his tenure.
The destinations listed include international and domestic trips to locations such as France, Mexico, Taiwan, Singapore, Qatar, and South Africa. The complaint also notes that Ford spent extended periods outside Nevada in certain years, raising questions from critics about his time spent away from the state.
In a statement, Better Nevada PAC spokesperson John Burke criticized Ford’s conduct, calling it “a mockery of public service.” The PAC, which supports Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, has funded advertising highlighting Ford’s travel record.
The ethics complaint is the latest in a series of challenges facing Ford as he campaigns to unseat Lombardo. Previous reporting by multiple outlets has examined Ford’s travel, campaign spending, and use of social media accounts, including a separate complaint alleging improper linkage between official and campaign platforms.
Ford’s campaign has previously dismissed similar allegations as politically motivated attacks tied to the governor’s allies. As of now, the attorney general’s office has not publicly responded to the commission’s decision to advance the complaint.
Ford, who was re-elected attorney general in 2022, has also drawn attention for his fundraising network, which includes support from out-of-state donors and endorsements from national Democratic figures.
The Nevada Commission on Ethics will issue a determination on the complaint within 60 days.
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