CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Family members say former Nevada Rep. Jim Santini has died.
Santini's daughter, Lori Egbers, told The Associated Press that her father died Tuesday at a hospice center in Rockville, Maryland, after being diagnosed with advanced-stage esophageal cancer. He was 78.
Santini was born in Reno and was a judge before being elected to Congress in 1974. He represented the entire state as a Democrat until 1983, when the state was divided into two congressional districts.
He became a Republican in 1985 and unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 1986 against Democratic Sen. Harry Reid.
He also lost a bid for Senate in 1982.
Santini served as legislative counsel for the National Tour Association for more than two decades.
He was married for 47 years and had six children and 13 grandchildren.
