Former Senator Harry Reid dies at 82

Sources confirmed Reid’s death to local Nevada media, where details of his passing first made headlines. Jon Ralston, CEO of The Nevada Independent, wrote on Twitter: “Harry Reid, probably the most important elected official in Nevada history, has died at 82.”

Reid, who became one of the most powerful people in US politics, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2018.

Reid served in the Senate from Jan. 3, 1987 to Jan. 3, 2017, making him one of the longest-serving US Senators. Before making it into the Senate, Reid previously served in the US House of Representatives for the state of Nevada, and as the Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, among other roles.

Following his death, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer released a statement regarding his passing.

“Harry Reid was one of the most amazing individuals I have ever met. He was tough-as-nails strong, but caring and compassionate, and always went out of his way quietly to help people who needed help,” said Schumer.

“He was a boxer who came from humble origins, but he never forgot where he came from and used those boxing instincts to fearlessly fight those who were hurting the poor and the middle class,” he added. “He was my leader, my mentor, one of my dearest friends. He ‘s gone but he will walk by the sides of many of us in the Senate every single day.”

President Joe Biden on Tuesday called Reid “a dear friend and a giant of our history.”

“During the two decades we served together in the United States Senate, and the eight years we worked together while I served as Vice President, Harry met the marker for what I’ve always believed is the most important thing by which you can measure a person—their action and their word,” Biden said.

“I’ve had the honor of serving with some of the all-time great Senate Majority Leaders in our history. Harry Reid was one of them. And for Harry, it wasn’t about power for power’s sake. It was about the power to do right for the people.”