Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid says he's endorsing Nevada state Sen. Ruben Kihuen in his bid for Congress.
Reid and Kihuen issued a joint statement Thursday about the endorsement, which is a major boost for the candidate in a four-way Democratic primary.
Reid called Kihuen his friend and said nobody was more qualified to take on incumbent Republican Rep. Cresent Hardy.
Kihuen said he was humbled by the support and share's Reid's vision on equality and the economy.
The coveted endorsement is expected to distinguish Kihuen from his three Democratic competitors, including philanthropist Susie Lee, former Nevada Assembly Speaker John Oceguera and former Assemblywoman Lucy Flores.
Nevada's 4th Congressional District leans Democratic, and the seat is considered ripe for a Democratic takeover in 2016.