Sen. Harry Reid will not seek re-election in 2016

Sen. Harry Reid, the current Senate Minority Leader, announced today that he will not seek re-election in 2016. The announcement comes after he suffered eye and facial injuries in January.

The Nevada senator, 75, made the official announcement on Facebook, including a video looking back on his career and explaining his decision. He didn’t say that his recent injuries, which he suffered on Jan. 1 at his Las Vegas home, were the reason for his retirement.

“I won’t be running again for re-election,” he said in a statement. “My life’s work has been to make Nevada and our nation better. I haven’t been perfect, but I’ve done my best. Thank you for giving me that wonderful opportunity.”

Reid has been leading the Senate Democrats since 2005, including a tenure as majority leader when the party held the majority.Even as minority leader, though, he has retained some power. He has kept the Democrats united against a Republican effort to stop President Obama’s immigration policies.

“I want to be able to go out at the top of my game,” Reid said, notes The New York Times. “I don’t want to be a 42-year-old trying to become a designated hitter.”

Reid was first elected to Washington in 1982 as a member of the House of Representatives. He was elected to the Senate in 1986. Possible replacements for his position at the top of the party in the Senate include New York Sen. Charles Schumer and Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin.

Meanwhile, Democrats in Nevada will have to find a candidate to replace him. Former state attorney general Catherine Cortez Masto could be a strong contender, notes the Times.

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