Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford was caught red-handed boarding a flight to Washington DC this week. A fellow passenger snapped a photo of the Silver State’s top cop in a window seat, revealing his latest travel escape from his Nevada duties.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Ford, who is already under fire for spending 137 days out of state in 2024. That’s more than one-third of the entire year.
Now he’s been spotted heading to DC during the holiday season, presumably for the Christmas party circuit that has been on his travel itinerary for years.
The Christmas Party Circuit Calls
According to the California Globe, which broke the story, Ford has a well-documented history of attending DC’s holiday party circuit.
In past years, Ford is pictured in front of a Christmas tree with his spouse, former Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff at holiday gatherings. These weren’t one-time events – the D.C. Holiday Party circuit has been on his travel itinerary for years.
Now he’s at it again. This week’s flight to DC suggests Ford is continuing his annual tradition of prioritizing holiday networking in Washington over his duties in Nevada. The California Globe notes it’s unknown whether Ford planned to meet with Harris on this trip, since she’s no longer in the executive branch after losing the presidential election.
This latest trip adds to an already stunning travel record that has conservatives asking a simple question: When does this guy actually work?
Think about this for a minute. You’re paying Ford a $160,000 annual salary to be Nevada’s top law enforcement officer.
Meanwhile, he’s treating the job like a part-time gig with full-time benefits. Consumer fraud doesn’t take a vacation when the AG is at a DC Christmas party. Crime doesn’t pause while he’s hobnobbing with political elites.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s break down Ford’s 2024 travel circus. Ford’s trips included international stays on Mexico’s Baja and Yucatan peninsulas, and in Singapore, Taiwan and France, as well as domestic travels from coast to coast.
He visited Martha’s Vineyard, attended the Kentucky Derby, and jetted off to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention.
Ford’s campaign tried to defend this globe-trotting by claiming 98 were work-related, including 65 on business of the bipartisan attorneys general organizations and 33 for events geared toward prominent Black leaders. But here’s the kicker – even if you buy that excuse, he still spent 19 days on personal travel, mostly out of state.
Compare that to Governor Joe Lombardo, who traveled out of state about 30 days last year. That’s less than a quarter of Ford’s travel time. One official is doing his job. The other is collecting frequent flyer miles.
Following the Money Trail
Who’s paying for all this travel? Well, it’s complicated. Ford reported four third-party-sponsored trips totaling $35,000 in an annual disclosure form required under state law.
These sponsors included the Attorney General Alliance and the National Association of Attorneys General – groups funded by corporate sponsors, including companies that attorneys general are supposed to investigate.
Ford’s campaign also spent nearly $12,000 in campaign funds at a boutique hotel, The Richard, on Martha’s Vineyard. That works out to nearly $2,000 per night. Must be nice when other people’s money is footing the bill.
What Critics Are Saying
John Burke from Better Nevada PAC didn’t mince words:
“Aaron Ford has treated the attorney general’s office as a part-time job and a way to vacation around the world on someone else’s dime.”
Ford’s campaign spokesperson Tai Sims fired back, claiming:
“Ford has been laser-focused on protecting Nevadans in his role as Attorney General.”
That’s a pretty powerful laser to reach Nevada from Singapore, Taiwan, or a DC Christmas party.
Why This Matters Now
Ford is running for governor in 2026. He wants a promotion to an even bigger job with more responsibility. But if he can’t commit to showing up for his current position, why should Nevada voters trust him with the governor’s mansion?
This isn’t just about travel. It’s about accountability, commitment, and respect for taxpayers. When you take a government salary, you owe the people your time and attention. Ford seems to think he owes them Instagram photos from exotic locations instead.
Every day Ford spends jet-setting to parties or conferences is a day he’s not fighting for Nevada families. It’s a day he’s not prosecuting criminals, protecting consumers, or standing up for the rule of law.
What Comes Next
This travel scandal will likely dog Ford throughout his gubernatorial campaign. Every time he boards another plane, his opponents will remind voters about his part-time commitment to a full-time job.
The bigger question is whether Nevada voters will remember this when they head to the polls in 2026. Will they reward someone who treats the attorney general’s office as a launching pad for his political ambitions? Or will they demand leaders who actually show up?
Take Action
If Ford’s travel habits bother you, don’t stay silent.
Contact his office and demand to know why he’s spending more time in airport lounges than in his Las Vegas office. Ask your state legislators why taxpayers are funding a part-time attorney general with a full-time salary.
And when 2026 rolls around, remember which candidates actually showed up for Nevada, and which ones were too busy attending Christmas parties in DC.
Being attorney general isn’t a work-from-wherever gig. It requires leadership, presence, and commitment. Nevada deserves better than Frequent Flyer Ford.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
