Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford stepped in it when he tried to quote scripture to religious voters. In a social media post that’s now getting attention, Ford, who officially launched his gubernatorial campaign in July 2025, claimed to be quoting Isaiah 1:7 about seeking justice. But that’s not what Isaiah 1:7 actually says.
The real verse reads:
“Your country lies in ruins, and your towns are burned. Foreigners plunder your fields before your eyes and destroy everything they see.”
Ford seems to have meant Isaiah 1:17, which talks about learning to do right and seeking justice. It’s a mistake that anyone could make. But for conservatives who care about religious freedom, it highlights a bigger problem.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
Ford’s scripture slip-up wouldn’t matter much if he hadn’t spent years fighting against religious freedom in Nevada.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ford’s office defended restrictions that allowed casinos to operate at 50% capacity while limiting churches to just 50 people, regardless of building size. Think about that for a minute. A massive casino could pack in thousands of gamblers, but a church with room for 500 could only seat 50 worshippers.
This wasn’t just bad policy. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals eventually ruled these restrictions unconstitutional, finding that Nevada treated:
“numerous secular activities and entities significantly better than religious worship services.”
The court said casinos, bowling alleys, restaurants, and other businesses got better treatment than houses of worship.
When churches appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote a blistering dissent, saying :
“Nevada is discriminating against religion” and that “COVID-19 is not a blank check for a state to discriminate against religious people.”
Justice Neil Gorsuch was even blunter:
“There is no world in which the Constitution permits Nevada to favor Caesars Palace over Calvary Chapel.”
Ford Fought Churches All the Way to the Top
Ford didn’t back down when lower courts ruled against him. His office kept fighting these cases even after the 9th Circuit ruled in favor of the churches, arguing the Supreme Court should let federal courts sort out the details rather than taking up the case. That’s government lawyer speak for “let’s drag this out as long as possible.”
The Supreme Court case was Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak, and it became a flashpoint for religious freedom advocates nationwide. Attorneys general from 19 other states joined the church’s case, arguing courts needed clear guidance on balancing public safety with religious liberty.
What Critics Are Saying
Ford’s supporters argue he was just following public health guidelines and trying to keep people safe during a deadly pandemic. They point out that he eventually had to change course when courts ruled against the state.
A Ford spokesperson said at the time that :
“Nevada heard the 9th Circuit clearly and appreciates the guidance on how best to protect this constitutional right.”
But conservative legal experts see it differently. They argue Ford showed his true priorities by giving special treatment to casinos and entertainment venues while treating churches like second-class citizens.
Justice Alito wrote that while Nevada’s discrimination “in favor of the powerful gaming industry” might not surprise anyone, “this Court’s willingness to allow such discrimination is disappointing.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The restrictions created a clear double standard. One church had a capacity of 786 people but was still limited to 50 under Ford’s defended policy.
When the pastor said, “When the governor comes out and says that somehow singing in a church is more dangerous than cheering in a casino, you can’t say we’re treated equally,” he had a point that resonated with religious freedom advocates nationwide.
Looking Ahead
Ford officially launched his campaign for governor in July 2025, positioning himself as the Democratic favorite to challenge Republican Governor Joe Lombardo in 2026.
For conservatives who believe in limited government and religious freedom, Ford’s record raises red flags. His willingness to defend the unequal treatment of churches suggests he sees religious liberty as less important than other interests. That’s not what you want in a governor who takes an oath to defend the Constitution.
What Conservatives Can Do
Conservative voters have options. They can support Governor Lombardo’s re-election campaign, which has focused on being a check on Democratic overreach from the legislature. They can also get involved in primary elections and support candidates who have strong records on religious freedom.
Most importantly, they can stay engaged. Ford has already criticized Lombardo for supporting federal immigration enforcement and other conservative priorities. The 2026 race will likely be a clear choice between limited government principles and expanded state control.
The scripture mix-up might seem like a small thing. But it points to a bigger issue about respecting the faith communities that form the backbone of Nevada’s families. Conservatives should remember Ford’s record when they head to the polls.
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.
