Results
At G Ratings, we conducted a statewide survey to measure electoral preferences and the political climate ahead of the 2026 general election for governor in Nevada.
We surveyed 800 registered voters in Nevada who confirmed that they intended to participate in the upcoming election. Fieldwork was conducted between August 26 and August 31, 2026.
At G Ratings, we present a competitive race in which Republican Joe Lombardo leads with 47.6%, while Democrat Aaron Ford receives 43.3%. Another 9.1% of respondents selected another option.
Nevada 2026 governor election: Lombardo leads Ford by 4.3 points
At G Ratings, we present the results of the question: If the 2026 general election for governor in Nevada were held today, for whom would you vote?
- Joe Lombardo: 47.6%
- Aaron Ford: 43.3%
- Other: 9.1%
The current difference between Lombardo and Ford is 4.3 percentage points, placing the Republican candidate ahead in this measurement.
The results show a competitive gubernatorial contest in which neither candidate reaches 50% of voter preference. The 9.1% of respondents supporting another option also represents a relevant portion of the electorate as the campaign develops.
Independent and other voters represent the largest political group
At G Ratings, we also surveyed participants about their political affiliation to understand the composition of the electorate included in the study.
- Independent/Other: 39.8%
- Republican: 32.9%
- Democratic: 27.3%
Independent and other voters represent the largest political group in the survey, accounting for nearly four out of every ten respondents.
Republicans follow with 32.9%, while Democrats represent 27.3%.
This distribution highlights the importance of voters who do not identify directly with either major political party and suggests that this segment could play an important role in Nevada’s 2026 gubernatorial election.
Economy dominates concerns among Nevada voters
Beyond electoral preference, at G Ratings we surveyed voters about what they consider the most important issue currently facing Nevada.
The economy ranks first with 45.8%, making it the leading concern by a wide margin. This category includes jobs, inflation and taxes.
- Economy — jobs, inflation and taxes: 45.8%
- Something else: 11.1%
- Immigration: 10.6%
- State of democracy: 9.2%
- Healthcare: 7.6%
- Education: 5.3%
- Crime: 4.6%
- Abortion access: 3.1%
- Foreign policy: 2.7%
The economy exceeds the second-ranked response by more than 34 percentage points, showing the importance that financial and employment issues currently have among Nevada voters.
Inflation, jobs and taxes could therefore become central topics in the campaign as candidates seek to connect with voters’ priorities.
Immigration and democracy also remain important issues
While economic concerns dominate the survey, voters also identified several additional issues that could influence the political discussion in Nevada.
Immigration ranks at 10.6%, while the state of democracy receives 9.2%. Healthcare follows with 7.6%.
Education, crime, abortion access and foreign policy register lower percentages, but remain part of the range of issues considered important by different groups of voters.
The results present an electorate primarily focused on economic conditions, but with additional concerns spanning immigration, government institutions, healthcare and public services.
Nevada’s governor race remains competitive
At G Ratings, we present a political environment in which the race for governor remains competitive.
Joe Lombardo’s 47.6% gives him the lead over Aaron Ford’s 43.3%, but the 4.3-point difference leaves the two candidates relatively close in the current measurement.
At the same time, neither candidate has surpassed the 50% threshold, while 9.1% of respondents selected another option.
The large presence of independent and other voters also adds another element to the race. With 39.8% of respondents identifying outside the Democratic and Republican parties, this group could have significant influence on the final outcome.
Profile of the Nevada electorate surveyed
The G Ratings survey included voters from different demographic groups to reflect relevant characteristics of Nevada’s electorate.
By gender:
- Male: 50.1%
- Female: 49.9%
The gender distribution of the sample was almost evenly divided.
By age group:
- Ages 18–29: 14.3%
- Ages 30–39: 11.3%
- Ages 40–49: 16.2%
- Ages 50–59: 18.4%
- Ages 60–69: 17.7%
- Ages 70 or older: 22.1%
Voters aged 70 or older represented the largest age group in the survey at 22.1%, followed by those between 50 and 59 years old at 18.4%.
Survey methodology
At G Ratings, we surveyed 800 adults aged 18 and older residing in Nevada who indicated that they met the eligibility requirements to participate in United States electoral processes.
Fieldwork was conducted between August 26 and August 31, 2026. Participants confirmed that they were registered to vote and intended to participate in the upcoming election.
The sample used a non-probability design structured to reflect relevant demographic and geographic characteristics of Nevada’s electorate, including gender, age group, region, education level and ethnicity.
Data collection was conducted through self-administered digital questionnaires accessible on mobile devices and computers. The survey was administered in English.
The study used Odysseus, a technological platform developed by G-Ratings by GobernArte S.C., incorporating algorithmic models designed to support sample distribution according to population reference parameters.
For the sample of 800 completed questionnaires, the theoretical margin of error was estimated between ±3.5% and ±5%, assuming a 95% confidence level and simple random sampling.
Because the study uses a non-probability design, this margin of error should be interpreted as an approximate statistical reference rather than an exact estimate of total survey error.
The completion rate was approximately 50% among eligible individuals who initiated the digital questionnaire.
G Ratings compared the party registration composition of respondents with statewide voter registration figures published by the Nevada Secretary of State.
The survey was commissioned, conducted, funded and analyzed by G Ratings exclusively for informational purposes and was not commissioned or funded by any candidate, political campaign or political party.
