In a statement released hours after Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid announced he will not seek reelection in 2016, President Obama called the longtime Nevada senator “a fighter”:
Harry Reid is a fighter. In his five terms as a U.S. Senator, Harry has fought for good jobs, a safer environment for our kids, and affordable heath care for all. He’s never backed down from tough decisions or been afraid to choose what is right over what is easy. Time and time again, Harry stood up to special interests and made sure every one of his constituents had a voice in their nation’s capital.
Above all else, Harry has fought for the people of his beloved state of Nevada. The son of a miner and a mad from the tiny town of Searchlight, he never forgot where he came from, and he never stopped working to give everyone who works hard the same shot at success that he had.
As the leader of the Senate Democrats during my time in office, Harry has become not only an ally, but a friend. I’m proud of all we have accomplished together, and I know the Senate will not be the same without him. I look forward to working with him to keep fighting for every American over the next two years, and Michelle and I wish him and Landra well in whatever the future holds.