LAS VEGAS (AP) — The 19-year-old son of a Nevada Republican who is in a pivotal U.S. Senate race is apologizing after his objectionable social media posts came to light.

The Buzzfeed website first reported Thursday on Joey Heck's posts, which appeared on the social media network Reddit. The article offers examples of instances when the college student and son of Rep. Joe Heck made vulgar jokes about Hillary Clinton and "upvoted," or endorsed, racist and anti-Semitic memes.

Joey Heck issued a lengthy statement through his father's campaign saying his actions were inexcusable and he's seeking professional counseling.

His family said they were deeply disappointed in Joey Heck's behavior, but they would stand by him as he works through issues.

Rep. Heck is seeking Sen. Harry Reid's seat in a race that could decide which party controls the Senate.