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Nevada Gubernatorial Candidate Danielle Ford Scores Fifth Place in Vegas Charity Poker Event

By jili tutorial · October 9, 2026

Nevada Gubernatorial Candidate Danielle Ford Scores Fifth Place in Vegas Charity Poker Event

Danielle Ford, a Nevada gubernatorial candidate, is aiming for a much bigger victory on November 3rd—the Nevada gubernatorial election—than the one she secured on October 3rd at the “Every Hand Makes a Difference” charity poker tournament in Las Vegas. While finishing fifth in the poker event is a commendable achievement, Ford knows that in the political arena, only a first-place finish will suffice.

Ford’s Poker Run: A Mix of Skill and Strategy

On Saturday, October 3rd, Ford participated in the charity poker tournament hosted by the Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) at the Via Brasil Steakhouse in Summerlin, Las Vegas. The event benefited the Junior League of Las Vegas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community improvement and empowering women.

Ford, a Las Vegas native and avid poker player, made it to the final table, finishing fifth place. The tournament attracted a diverse field of participants, including poker professionals, local celebrities, and invited “bounty players.” Notable attendees included Sean McCormack, a poker executive at MGM Resorts International, and Ryan Riess, the 2013 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champion. Both McCormack and Riess also reached the final table.

The tournament’s top prize of $2,000 went to Tamar Berkowitz of Volunteers of Las Vegas, who defeated Riess in a heads-up showdown. Riess took home $1,500 for his second-place finish. Ford’s fifth-place finish earned her two Vegas Golden Knights hockey tickets, which she described as “great extra bonuses.”

Ford’s poker skills are no fluke. In an interview with PokerNews, she revealed that she turns to poker as a way to mentally unwind from the pressures of campaigning and her work on the Nevada State Board of Education. “It’s one of the only things with enough aspects to keep me locked in,” Ford said. “It’s almost meditative for me.”

Ford’s Political Campaign: A Longshot Bid

While Ford’s poker performance showcased her strategic acumen, her political campaign remains an uphill battle. Ford is running as a “Nevada-first nonpartisan” candidate against Aaron Ford (no relation), the Democratic nominee, and Joe Lombardo, the incumbent Republican governor. Her campaign focuses on “practical systems repair” for the public systems that Nevada families rely on daily.

However, Ford faces significant challenges. According to Polymarket, a prediction market platform, the race is primarily a two-way contest between Aaron Ford (55.5%) and Lombardo (43.5%). Danielle Ford’s polling numbers hover in the single digits, ranging between 2% and 7%. Despite these odds, Ford remains undeterred, emphasizing her commitment to nonpartisan solutions and practical governance.

Ford secured her spot on the ballot by gathering signatures, demonstrating grassroots support for her campaign. Her underdog status mirrors her poker philosophy—staying focused and persevering, even when the odds are stacked against her.

Charity Poker: A Platform for Good

The Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) is renowned for blending the thrill of poker with meaningful philanthropic work. Events like “Every Hand Makes a Difference” bring together poker enthusiasts and community leaders to raise funds for worthy causes.

Ford’s participation in the tournament underscores her connection to the Las Vegas community. By supporting the Junior League of Las Vegas, Ford not only showcased her poker skills but also contributed to a cause that aligns with her campaign’s focus on community empowerment and public service.

Final Thoughts: Poker and Politics—A Common Thread

Whether Ford’s political campaign defies the odds remains to be seen, but her performance at the charity poker tournament highlights her resilience and strategic mindset. Poker, like politics, requires a mix of skill, patience, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Ford’s fifth-place finish may not have been a first-place victory, but it reinforced her ability to hold her own when the chips are down. As Nevada voters head to the polls on November 3rd, they’ll decide whether Ford’s blend of practical governance and nonpartisan leadership can translate into electoral success.

For now, Ford continues to campaign with the same determination she brings to the poker table—proving that in politics, as in poker, anything is possible.