Aaron Ford Refused to Sue Gavin Newsom Over Gas Prices. This Weekend, Nevadans Learned Why.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 11, 2026

LAS VEGAS -- Aaron Ford likes to call himself a champion for affordability…but when Governor Joe Lombardo asked Aaron Ford to stand up to Gavin Newsom's refinery mandates that were driving up gas prices for Nevada families, Ford refused.

This weekend, Nevadans got their answer why.

Aaron Ford refused to sue Gavin Newsom over California’s refinery mandates because he wanted to campaign with him.

While Aaron Ford was protecting Gavin Newsom, Governor Lombardo was leading the fight against him and his harmful California refinery mandates that have contributed to higher fuel costs across the West.

In May 2024, Governor Lombardo wrote directly to Governor Newsom, warning that California's refinery policies were increasing fuel costs for Nevadans. He directed the Governor's Office of Energy to engage with the California Energy Commission, secured bipartisan support from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs for a joint letter demanding action, met with refinery executives in California to discuss fuel supply and affordability, and established Nevada's Fuel Resiliency Committee to strengthen the state's long-term fuel security.

If Aaron Ford truly wanted to make Nevada more affordable, he had an opportunity to join Governor Lombardo in fighting the California policies driving up prices at the pump. Instead, he refused to act.

Now, he's campaigning with the governor responsible for Nevada’s high gas prices.

"Aaron Ford has spent months talking about affordability, but when he had a real opportunity to fight for lower gas prices, he sided with Gavin Newsom instead of Nevada families," said Halee Dobbins, Lombardo for Governor Spokesperson. "Governor Lombardo asked Aaron Ford to challenge California's refinery mandates that were making life more expensive for Nevadans, but Ford refused. Governor Lombardo kept fighting – bringing together bipartisan partners, meeting with industry leaders, and pursuing every available solution to protect Nevada consumers. This weekend made Aaron Ford's priorities crystal clear: he'd rather campaign with Gavin Newsom than stand up to him. Aaron Ford works for Gavin Newsom. Joe Lombardo works for you.”

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