Updated 4:47 p.m. | Catherine Cortez Masto, the preferred Democratic successor of retiring Nevada Sen. Harry Reid, will run for the minority leader’s seat.  

“Catherine Cortez Masto fights to protect Nevada’s seniors, children, women, consumers, and homeowners,” her new Senate website states. “She did it as a prosecutor. She did it as Nevada’s Attorney General. Now she wants to bring her fight to the U.S. Senate.” The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee endorsed Masto soon after her announcement on Wednesday, calling her “the strongest candidate to keep this Senate seat in Democratic hands.”  

Reid had already endorsed Masto, the former Nevada attorney general, just hours after his March 27 retirement announcement.  

“She’s a great candidate,” he said on KNPR. He said he planned to help her if she got into the race.  

Masto may still face a primary against Rep. Dina Titus, who said she is considering a bid.  

The race is rated Tossup/Tilts Democratic  by the Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.  

Related:

Reid Plans Senate Exit: Not Running for Re-Election


Democrats Start With Narrow Advantage in Nevada


Reid, Durbin Endorse Schumer as Next Leader


Republicans Fear 2010 Redux in Nevada Senate Race


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