Harry Reid

Harry Reid
File:Harry Reid.jpg Harry Reid in 2015
Born	(1939-12-02)December 2, 1939 Searchlight, Nevada, U.S.
Died	December 28, 2021(2021-12-28) (aged 82) Henderson, Nevada, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Landra Gould
Children	5

Harry Mason Reid (December 2, 1939 – December 28, 2021) was an American politician and lawyer who served as a United States Senator from Nevada from 1987 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015.

Early Life and Education

Harry Reid was born in Searchlight, Nevada, a small town with a population of about 200. His father, Harry Vincent Reid, was a miner, and his mother, Inez Orena (Jaynes), was a laundress. Reid grew up in a modest home and attended Basic High School in Henderson, Nevada.

Reid attended Southern Utah University and then transferred to Utah State University, where he graduated with a degree in political science and history. He went on to earn a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School while working as a police officer for the United States Capitol Police.

Political Career

Early Career

Reid began his political career as the city attorney for Henderson, Nevada. He was elected to the Nevada Assembly in 1968. In 1970, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, serving under Governor Mike O'Callaghan.

In 1977, Reid was appointed chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, where he served until 1981. During his tenure, he was known for his efforts to combat organized crime in the gaming industry.

U.S. House of Representatives

Reid was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1982, representing Nevada's 1st congressional district. He served two terms in the House before running for the Senate.

U.S. Senate

Reid was elected to the United States Senate in 1986, defeating incumbent Republican Senator Paul Laxalt. He was re-elected in 1992, 1998, 2004, and 2010.

As a senator, Reid was known for his work on issues such as healthcare reform, renewable energy, and public lands. He played a key role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010.

Senate Leadership

Reid served as the Senate Minority Whip from 1999 to 2005 and as the Senate Majority Whip from 2005 to 2007. In 2007, he became the Senate Majority Leader, a position he held until 2015. As Majority Leader, Reid was instrumental in advancing the Democratic legislative agenda during the Obama administration.

Personal Life

Reid married Landra Gould in 1959, and they had five children together. He was known for his love of reading and his dedication to his family.

Legacy

Reid's legacy includes his efforts to reform healthcare, his advocacy for renewable energy, and his work to protect public lands in Nevada. He was a polarizing figure, admired by many for his tenacity and criticized by others for his partisan approach.

Death

Harry Reid passed away on December 28, 2021, at the age of 82, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Also see

• United States Senate
• Democratic Party (United States)
• Affordable Care Act
• Nevada Gaming Commission