Nevada’s Aaron Ford caught in Democrats’ word ban dilemma

State’s top lawyer may need new vocabulary

By Brittany Sheehan  

Nevada News and Views

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford might need to update his talking points. A new memo from the Democratic group Third Way is telling party members to stop using dozens of common progressive terms. The list reads like a greatest hits of liberal buzzwords — and it puts elected Democrats like Ford in an awkward spot.

The memo, shared first with Politico’s Playbook this week, bans words like “privilege,” “microaggression,” “triggering,” “cisgender,” and “birthing person.” It even tells Democrats to avoid saying “violence” when talking about environmental issues.

Nevada War Room, a conservative political action committee, didn’t miss the irony. They tweeted directly at Ford:

“Uh oh… looks like @AaronDFordNV will have to change up his vocabulary to make his liberal friends happy.”

Uh oh… looks like @AaronDFordNV will have to change up his vocabulary to make his liberal friends happy.

Dems think it’s their words that are the problem, but it’s really their radical agenda that’s causing Nevada voters to abandon them in droves.#NVleg #NVgov https://t.co/VE5JaGmoWt

— Nevada War Room — Better NV PAC (@BetterNevadaPAC) August 22, 2025

Why Nevada Conservatives Should Pay Attention

This story hits close to home for Silver State conservatives. Ford has used exactly this kind of progressive language throughout his time as attorney general. He’s talked about “systemic” problems and “equity” initiatives. He’s joined lawsuits using terms that are now on the banned list.

Now his own party is telling him those words are political poison.

This shows how out of touch Nevada Democrats have become with regular voters. While they’ve been focused on the latest progressive terminology, working families have been worried about gas prices, housing costs, and keeping their kids safe.

The word ban memo proves what Nevada conservatives have been saying all along. The left’s obsession with identity politics doesn’t match how most Nevadans think and talk.

Ford’s Progressive Track Record

As attorney general, Ford has embraced the progressive agenda that Third Way now says is hurting Democrats. He joined California’s climate change lawsuits. He’s pushed “environmental justice” initiatives. He’s used his office to promote policies that expand government power.

Ford also championed what he called “criminal justice reform” — policies that many Nevadans blame for rising crime rates. He’s supported reducing penalties for certain crimes and limiting law enforcement tools.

These positions align with the progressive movement that created all those banned words in the first place. Changing the vocabulary doesn’t change the underlying big government philosophy.

What Critics Are Saying

Nevada Republicans see this memo as proof that Democratic messaging has failed.

Nevada War Room wrote in their social media response: “Dems think it’s their words that are the problem, but it’s really their radical agenda that’s causing Nevada voters to abandon them.”

Some national Democrats are defending the word choice strategy. They argue it’s about reaching more voters with clearer language. Third Way claims they want to help Democrats focus on kitchen table issues instead of cultural debates.

But progressive activists are pushing back too. They worry that abandoning this language means abandoning the communities these terms represent.

The Nevada Numbers

Recent elections show why Nevada Democrats are concerned about their message. In 2024, Republicans made gains across the state. They picked up legislative seats and performed better in competitive districts than many expected.

Exit polling showed Democrats lost ground with working-class Hispanic voters in Nevada — a group that had been reliably Democratic. Many cited feeling disconnected from the party’s priorities and language.

A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 58 percent of Americans think political correctness has gone too far. In a purple state like Nevada, that sentiment can swing elections.

Ford himself saw his approval ratings drop during his first term, particularly in rural counties where progressive terminology falls especially flat.

What This Means for Nevada’s Future

The word ban memo signals potential changes in how Nevada Democrats campaign and govern. We might see less focus on identity politics and more emphasis on economic issues.

But for conservatives, this creates a clear opportunity. When your opponents admit their message isn’t working, it’s time to offer better alternatives.

Nevada conservatives can step up with straightforward messages about limited government, individual freedom, and personal responsibility. These principles don’t need new vocabulary because they match how most Nevadans already think.

What Nevada Conservatives Should Do

First, don’t let Ford and other Nevada Democrats off the hook just because they might change their language. Keep focusing on their actual policies and voting records.

Second, support candidates who speak plainly about conservative values. Nevada voters clearly want authentic communication over political correctness.

Third, stay engaged at the local level. School boards, city councils, and county commissions are where many cultural battles happen. Conservative voices can make a real difference there.

Finally, use this moment to promote market-based solutions to Nevada’s challenges. When Democrats talk about government programs, conservatives can offer freedom-based alternatives that actually work.

The word ban shows Nevada Democrats know they have a problem connecting with voters. For conservatives who believe in limited government, this isn’t about finding better words — it’s about promoting better ideas that help Nevada families thrive.

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Brittany Sheehan is a Las Vegas-based mother, policy advocate and grassroots leader. She is active in local politics, successful in campaign work and passionate about liberty.