The Stakes
$450K+
Median home price (Las Vegas metro)
45%
Rent increase since 2019
#1
Issue for Nevada voters (2024 polling)
Nevada's housing crisis is structural. Years of population growth, limited construction during the 2008 crash, and the influx of remote workers during COVID created a perfect storm. Now, institutional investors own large swaths of rental housing, and algorithmic pricing tools may be coordinating rent increases across properties.
Where They Stand
Aaron Ford
Democrat ā¢ Attorney General
Position
Championed AB 44 to ban algorithmic rent-fixing as an "Unfair Trade Practice." Frames housing as a consumer protection issue where corporate landlords are "colluding" to artificially inflate prices. Campaigns on being the "anti-corporate" candidate.
The Tension
Ford's anti-corporate rhetoric on housing contrasts with his financial network. Major donors include law firms that litigate against corporationsābut those same firms also represent real estate developers. His attack is narrow: target "algorithms" and "Wall Street," but leave local developers untouched.
Key Actions
- ā¢ Pushed AB 44: Led advocacy for anti-price-fixing legislation
- ā¢ Joined DOJ suit against RealPage (rent algorithm company)
- ā¢ Consumer protection investigations into landlord practices
Alexis Hill
Democrat ā¢ Washoe County Chair
Position
Supports "temporary rent caps" and criticizes institutional investors. As a former city planner, also supports density increases and streamlined developmentābelieving supply expansion is part of the solution alongside price protections.
The Tension
Hill's campaign attacks "corporate welfare" but her donor list includes developers (Locus Development: $2,500) and Realtor PACs who oppose rent control. She votes favorably on their zoning requests, then campaigns against "corporate housing." The Realtors fund her because they know rent control requires the legislatureāshe can talk about it without threatening their interests.
Key Actions
- ā¢ Envision Washoe 2040: Approved master plan allowing more density
- ā¢ Voted for Tahoe Area Plan amendments (developer-friendly)
- ā¢ Campaigned on rent caps (requires state legislative change)
What They're Not Telling You
The Governor's Limited Power
Here's the uncomfortable truth: the Governor cannot unilaterally solve the housing crisis.
- Rent control is preempted by state law. Nevada prohibits local rent control. Changing this requires the legislatureānot just the Governor's signature.
- Zoning is local. Housing supply is determined by city and county zoning decisions. The Governor can incentivize, but can't mandate density.
- Federal policy matters more. Interest rates (Fed), tax incentives (Congress), and Fannie/Freddie policies have larger impacts than state action.
Candidates promise solutions they may not be able to deliver. What the Governor can do: sign or veto bills the legislature passes, direct state agencies on enforcement priorities, and use the bully pulpit to pressure local governments.
Evidence Scorecard
| Claim | Evidence | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Lombardo "vetoed rent relief" | He vetoed AB 44, which targeted algorithmic pricingānot direct rent caps. | Partially True |
| Ford is "fighting corporate landlords" | Joined RealPage lawsuit, pushed AB 44. But no action on local developers who donate to him. | Selective |
| Hill supports "rent control" | She says she does, but takes Realtor money and can't implement it as Governor without legislature. | Campaign Promise |
| Developers drive policy | All three candidates receive real estate/developer money. Conflicts evident across the board. | Documented |