Harry Reid's Seat Stays Blue with First Senate Latina

The seat of retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will stay in Democratic hands after Reid’s political machine helped propel the state’s former attorney general to the upper chamber.

Catherine Cortez Masto becomes the first Latina to serve in the U.S. Senate.

With 72 percent of precincts reporting, Cortez Masto had 47 percent of the vote versus Rep. Joe Heck’s (R-Nev.) 45 percent.

Heck dropped his support of Donald Trump after the infamous “grab her by the p**sy” tape was released. Asked by a Las Vegas TV station last week if Trump is qualified to be president, Heck replied, “I think that if you meet the constitutional qualifications and you’re selected by the Republican party then you’re qualified to be president.”

Cortez Masto benefited from a surge in Latino voting that also helped hand the state to Hillary Clinton. Both campaigns poured a massive amount of money into the race that averaged out to $84 per voter, Politico reported.

In a statement, Heck said his “life is better” because of the campaign.

“It was a high honor representing the people of Congressional District 3. My constituents were always my priority and I hope my record of working for them reflects my commitment of putting people above politics,” Heck said. “I am extremely thankful for those that supported my campaign, for the hardworking volunteers and staff, and for my family who stood by me through it all.”