Nevada Gubernatorial Candidate Danielle Ford Finishes Fifth at Charity Poker Tournament
Danielle Ford, running for Nevada governor as a nonpartisan, placed fifth in a Las Vegas charity poker tournament on October 3 benefiting the Junior League of Las Vegas. She described poker as meditative relief from campaign stresses. The final table also featured Ryan Riess and MGM Resorts’ Sean McCormack, with Tamar Berkowitz taking first place for $2,000.
SCCG Take — Ford’s participation reflects Nevada’s intertwined political and gaming cultures, but her 2-7% polling signals the formidable barriers facing independent candidates against established party figures.
Nevada gubernatorial candidate Danielle Ford finished fifth at the “Every Hand Makes a Difference” charity poker tournament held October 3 at Via Brasil Steakhouse in Summerlin. The Charity Series of Poker event drew poker professionals, local personalities, and invited bounty players while raising funds for the Junior League of Las Vegas.
Ford received two Vegas Golden Knights hockey tickets for the fifth-place result. Tamar Berkowitz of Volunteers of Las Vegas claimed the $2,000 first-place prize after defeating Ryan Riess heads-up. Riess earned $1,500 for second. MGM Resorts International poker executive Sean McCormack and the 2013 WSOP Main Event winner Riess also reached the final table.
Poker as Respite for the Candidate
Ford, a member of the Nevada State Board of Education, is running as a “Nevada-first nonpartisan” after gathering signatures for ballot access. She faces Democratic candidate Aaron Ford (no relation) and incumbent Republican Governor Joe Lombardo. Her campaign website emphasizes practical repairs to public systems that Nevada families rely on daily.
Ford told PokerNews she hits the felt “so that I can mentally step away from the stresses of work and life.” She said, “It’s one of the only things with enough aspects to keep me locked in. It’s almost meditative for me.” Polls place her support at roughly 2% to 7%. Prediction markets have not set odds for her, according to reporting by Casino.org.
Outlook for November 3
Ford seeks a stronger outcome on election day than her poker result. The event offered a momentary break and connection to Nevada’s core industry, yet the polling gap underscores the structural barriers confronting nonpartisan candidates in a contest anchored by the two major parties.
Reporting: Casino.org News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
Gaming, betting and prediction markets — the desk’s read, every weekday.
Subscribe →