AG Aaron Ford Vows to Repeal Nevada’s Right-to-Work Law If Elected Governor

Ford made the pledge during a December podcast interview with construction union leaders, saying he would not wait to act.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford (D) has pledged to repeal the state's decades-old right-to-work law if elected governor, saying during a podcast interview last December that he would sign such legislation in his first term without delay. Ford, the Democratic frontrunner challenging Gov. Joe Lombardo (R), made the comments on the GangboX podcast hosted by construction worker union leaders — remarks that had not been previously reported.

Ford's Pledge: 'I Ain't Waiting'

During a 53-minute interview on the GangboX podcast last December, Ford was unambiguous about his intentions. 'The moment you send it to me — first term, I ain't waiting,' Ford said. 'It can be done legislatively. They can send me a bill. And if they send it to me, I'm signing it.'

In a subsequent statement, Ford framed the repeal as a foundational step toward restoring workers' rights in Nevada. 'As Senate Majority Leader, I fought to extend collective bargaining rights to Nevada state employees,' he said. 'Nevada's world-class workers built the middle class — and I will honor their hard work for our state by being the most pro-worker Governor in our state's history.'

Nevada's Right-to-Work Law: A 70-Year History

Nevada's right-to-work law was enacted by voter initiative in 1953, following the 1947 federal Taft-Hartley Act, which allowed individual states to adopt an 'open shop' rule. Under that rule, an employee cannot be compelled to join a union or pay dues, nor can they be fired for joining a union.

The law has endured repeated challenges. In the 1950s, voters defeated three attempts at repeal, and since 1959, the Nevada Legislature has considered and rejected at least 10 measures to amend or repeal it. Nevada is one of 27 states with right-to-work laws currently on the books; 16 of those states enacted theirs before 1956.

Supporters and Critics of the Law

Supporters of right-to-work laws argue that workers should not be compelled to join any organization as a condition of employment, and that such requirements can harm economic efficiency and drive up costs for employers. Opponents counter that the laws are designed to limit union power, curtail workers' rights, worsen wages and benefits, and allow workers to benefit from union-negotiated contracts without contributing to them.

Former Nevada Governor, U.S. Senator, and Attorney General Richard Bryan (D) noted that while the issue was contentious in the 1950s, it did not feature prominently during his own time in office. 'I just don't recall it ever coming up for discussion in terms of my own political experience. Certainly not to the point of repeal,' Bryan said in an interview.

A Departure for Statewide Democrats

Ford's public commitment marks a notable shift from the posture typically adopted by Democratic statewide candidates in Nevada, most of whom have historically avoided commenting on the right-to-work question. Ford has shared his stance in union endorsement interviews, according to sources, but has not widely publicized it as part of his broader campaign platform.

His Democratic primary opponent, Alexis Hill, has also been a vocal critic of the law, referring to it as 'Right to Smirk' and pledging on her campaign website to end it.

Marc Ellis, president of the Communication Workers of America Local 9413, told the Nevada Independent that Ford's willingness to take on the law was central to earning his union's endorsement. Ellis said past Democrats had refused to engage with the issue, and that Ford's stance set him apart. 'I applaud Aaron Ford,' Ellis said.

What we know

• Aaron Ford pledged during a December podcast interview to sign a repeal of Nevada's right-to-work law in his first term as governor.
• Nevada's right-to-work law was enacted by voter initiative in 1953, following the federal Taft-Hartley Act of 1947.
• There are currently 27 states with right-to-work laws; 16 enacted theirs before 1956.
• Since 1959, the Nevada Legislature has considered and rejected at least 10 measures to amend or repeal the right-to-work law.
• Ford's Democratic primary opponent, Alexis Hill, has also pledged to end the right-to-work law and calls it 'Right to Smirk' on her campaign website.
• Marc Ellis, president of CWA Local 9413, said Ford's desire to repeal the law is what earned his union's endorsement.

Why it matters

Nevada's right-to-work law has been on the books for more than 70 years and has survived repeated repeal attempts at both the ballot box and in the Legislature. Ford's explicit pledge to sign a repeal bill in his first term — if the Legislature sends one — would represent the most significant shift in Nevada labor law in decades. With a competitive gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Joe Lombardo shaping up, the issue could energize union households across a state where organized labor plays a significant role in Democratic electoral politics.

What’s next

Ford is running against incumbent Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo in Nevada's upcoming gubernatorial election. His Democratic primary opponent, Alexis Hill, has also pledged to repeal the right-to-work law. Any repeal would require the Nevada Legislature to pass a bill and send it to the governor, a step Ford has said he is ready to act on immediately upon taking office.

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