Mr. Harry Reid, the longtime Senate Majority Leader from Nevada, died on Tuesday at the age of 82, after a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the longest-serving member of Congress, having served from 1983 to 2017.
Known as a recognized player in Nevada politics, Reid represented the state in the Nevada Assembly for two years beginning in 1969, before being appointed as the state’s lieutenant governor, which he held from 1971 to 1975.
Following that, he served in the United States House of Representatives for four years, from 1983 to 1987, before being elected to the Senate, where he served from 1987 until his retirement in 2017.
From 2007 until 2015, he served as the Senate’s majority leader.
JUST IN: Harry Reid, the former five-term U.S. senator from Nevada who led Senate Democrats for a decade spanning the Bush and Obama presidencies, has died at the age of 82, family confirms. https://t.co/ycWxCC6UFK pic.twitter.com/WouNBPui76
— ABC News (@ABC) December 29, 2021
He Quietly Struggled with Cancer
Landra Reid, Reid’s wife, stated in a message she was distraught to learn of her husband’s death.
A heroic four-year struggle with pancreatic cancer culminated in his death quietly on Tuesday afternoon. The former Senate Majority Leader was surrounded by his loved ones at his home. Harry was 82 years old at the time of his death and had been married for 62 years.
His wife went on to say they are incredibly proud of the legacy he left behind, both on the national scene and in his home state of Nevada.
BREAKING: Harry Reid, probably the most important elected official in Nevada history, has died at 82.
My condolences to his family and friends.
— Jon Ralston (@RalstonReports) December 29, 2021
It brought Reid great joy to discover his decades of devotion to Nevada had been recognized over the last couple of weeks, with the Las Vegas International Airport renaming in his honor.
He was a devoted family guy and a devoted friend who was always there for them.
Known for Taking a Solid Stance
When he advocated for an end to the filibuster on executive power appointments and judicial candidates other than those recommended to the Supreme Court in 2013, the Nevada lawmaker became well-known as the “nuclear option.”
Also, in 2009, Reid played an essential role in implementing the Affordable Care Act, leading attempts to unify all 60 members of the Democrat Party in support of the bill, despite opposition from his party.
He also shook his party on several issues, including the monument to the Supreme Court of Roe v. Wade, which he did believe should be rescinded.
Following the announcement of Reid’s death, incumbent Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer remarked in a statement the Nevada congressman was “among the most extraordinary guys” he ever encountered.
Rory Reid, Leif Reid, Key Reid, Josh Reid, and Lana Reid are survivors of Reid’s death. His wife, Landra, and their five children are also left to mourn.
Harry Reid was a great man with exemplary character. He will be missed by everyone, especially the people of Nevada. Funeral services for the late senator are scheduled for January 8.
Former President Obama is also expected to give an eulogy for Reid.
