By Bryan Wachter
The Retail Association of Nevada represents grocery stores and gas stations, hardware stores and clothing shops, restaurants and pharmacies—from Elko to Henderson, from family-owned shops to stores that employ thousands of Nevadans.
We don’t endorse candidates often. When we do, it’s because it matters to our members, our employees and our customers. This year, the Retail Association of Nevada is endorsing Aaron Ford for Governor.
At the center of that decision is a simple idea: the economy is what people pay at the register.
Small retailers and restaurants can’t absorb more costs, and working families can’t afford more “pain.” We believe a governor can do something about affordability, and there are concrete ways to lower costs for retailers and the families who shop with us.
First, PBM reform. Pharmacy Benefit Managers have an enormous influence on prescription drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement. RAN has supported reforms that bring greater transparency and fairness to the system.
Second, swipe fee reform. Every time a customer swipes a card, retailers pay a fee. When the financial institutions processing a transaction can make more on a basket of goods than the retailer who sold them, something is wrong—and those costs ultimately affect consumers.
Third, energy fairness. As Nevada brings in new data centers, we can’t let their massive power demand drive up costs for small businesses and consumers. A grocery store in North Las Vegas or a family in Elko shouldn’t subsidize someone else’s electric bill.
These are business issues, but they are also kitchen-table issues. They affect what stores can charge, whether businesses can remain open and how much money Nevadans have left in their pockets.
Our endorsement is also based on experience.
When organized retail crime began hitting our members, we went to work with Attorney General Aaron Ford. His office worked directly with RAN to create and fund a statewide prosecutor dedicated to organized retail crime. For retailers, public safety isn’t an abstract political debate. It affects employees coming to work, customers entering stores and businesses deciding whether they can continue operating in a community.
That isn’t the first time RAN and Ford have worked together. As Senate Majority Leader, he worked with RAN on legislation requiring large online retailers to play by the same rules as Nevada’s brick-and-mortar stores. No special loopholes—just a more level playing field so local retailers can compete and hire.
We don’t expect to agree with any elected official all of the time. What matters is whether someone will listen, engage and work toward practical solutions.
Recent policy debates have reinforced that distinction. Nevada retailers have faced proposals affecting everything from liquor payments and pharmacy operations to taxes and labor costs. Too often, the question of what those policies ultimately cost businesses and consumers comes second.
Nevada’s retail community cannot operate with that kind of uncertainty.
RAN exists to advocate for a business environment where retailers of all sizes can compete and thrive. Our priorities are straightforward: lower costs, safe stores, a level playing field and a state government willing to work with the businesses serving Nevada communities every day.
Aaron Ford has already worked with us on those priorities. That record, combined with his approach to affordability and his willingness to engage with Nevada retailers, is why the Retail Association of Nevada is endorsing Aaron Ford for Governor.
We encourage our members to join us in supporting Aaron Ford. Nevada’s economy works best when it works for everyone—from the businesses that create jobs to the families and communities they serve.