Political signs across the Las Vegas Valley that display images of California Gov. Gavin Newsom alongside Nevada gubernatorial candidate Aaron Ford were defaced with Nazi swastikas, officials and the sponsoring political action committee said Thursday, prompting an investigation by local police and condemnations from city leaders.
Signs targeted after PAC placed endorsement messaging
The signs were placed last month by Better Nevada PAC to highlight Newsom’s endorsement of Ford and carried the message: “Gavin Newsom Endorses Aaron Ford.” According to the PAC, the signs were funded by Better Nevada and had previously been used in political messaging criticizing Ford’s campaign resources.
Better Nevada spokeswoman John Burke said the organization became aware of vandalism to some billboards and took steps to repair them quickly. "
These messages have no place in our discourse."
Locations, police response and documentation
The Metropolitan Police Department documented at least one incident after receiving a tipster’s report that a swastika had been painted on a sign near Las Vegas Boulevard and Starr Avenue on Aug. 3. Officers returned to the same scene six days later following a second call, the department said. Because the incident had already been documented, Metro did not take a separate report at the second visit and said it had not received additional similar calls since then.
Burke confirmed a separate occurrence near Buffalo Drive and Sunset Road. A Review-Journal reporter also observed a sign marked with a swastika on Newsom’s image at Buffalo Drive near Sahara Avenue and Charleston Boulevard.
| Location | Reported date | Action taken |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Blvd. & Starr Ave. | Aug. 3 | Malicious destruction of property documented by Metro |
| Buffalo Dr. & Sunset Rd. | Reported later (date confirmed by PAC) | PAC repairs reported |
| Buffalo Dr. near Sahara & Charleston Blvd. | Observed by reporter (date not specified) | Visual confirmation by media |
Local leaders condemn vandalism
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley condemned the defacing, saying the city will not tolerate racism, antisemitism or discrimination. In a statement, she said she was "disgusted and appalled" when she learned of the incidents and urged authorities to pursue the matter.
"That type of behavior does not reflect the values of Las Vegas and will not be tolerated," Berkley added, and she said she understood authorities were investigating and that "once caught, the perpetrator will be prosecuted."
- At least three sign locations with vandalism were reported or observed across the Las Vegas Valley.
- Metro police documented one incident as malicious destruction of property and responded to at least two calls at the same location.
- Better Nevada PAC reported repairing damaged signs after being notified.
Political and public-safety implications
The vandalism comes amid heightened sensitivity around political messaging in the 2026 campaign cycle and raises concerns about the use of extremist imagery to intimidate or harass public figures and their supporters. The signs in question tied a national political figure — Newsom — to a state contest by publicizing his endorsement of a candidate in Nevada.
Authorities have documented at least one incident and city leaders have called for prosecution of whoever is responsible. The PAC that paid for the signs said it restored the damaged displays and called the defacement unacceptable. No arrests have been reported publicly in connection with the incidents.
The vandalism drew swift public condemnation from municipal officials and drew attention to the need for vigilance around campaign materials in public spaces. Investigators with the Metropolitan Police Department continue to evaluate reports and tips related to the cases.
