Dem backed by Reid wins Nevada House primary

by Lisa Hagen - 06/15/16 6:13 AM ET

An establishment-backed state senator who was endorsed by Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is projected to win his Democratic Nevada House primary.

State Sen. Ruben Kihuen will now take on vulnerable freshman Rep. Cresent Hardy (R-Nev.) in November.

{mosads}Kihuen defeated philanthropist Susie Lee and former Assemblywoman Lucy Flores in a competitive primary.

Kihuen was backed early by Reid, and highlighted Reid’s support in a TV ad. He’s also gotten endorsements from other prominent groups and unions.

While he had the backing of party leaders, Lee scored a significant endorsement from EMILY’s List, which backs female Democratic candidates who support abortion rights. And Flores got a significant fundraising boost after Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders threw his support behind her.

Kihuen will now go on to face Hardy in the general election in a prime pickup opportunity for Democrats. President Obama won the seat in 2012 by more than 10 points.

Tags Bernie Sanders Harry Reid