# Harry Reid

> American politician (1939–2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q314459](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q314459)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Reid)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harry-reid

## Summary
Harry Reid was an American politician (1939–2021) who served as the senior U.S. Senator from Nevada from 1987 until his retirement in 2017. He was the longest-serving Senate Majority Leader in history and a key figure in U.S. political leadership, known for his influence in shaping legislative priorities and party strategy.

## Biography
- Born: December 2, 1939, in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Southern Utah University (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, 1961)
  - George Washington University (Juris Doctor, 1964)
  - University of Nevada, Reno (Master of Laws, 1967)
- Known for: Leading Democratic Party strategy in the U.S. Senate and shaping major legislative initiatives
- Employer(s): U.S. Senate (1987–2017)
- Field(s): Political leadership, legislative policy, government administration

## Contributions
- **Legislative Leadership**: As Senate Majority Leader, Reid oversaw the passage of landmark bills including the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010).
- **Party Strategy**: Developed the "Reid Strategy," a Democratic Party approach to filibuster tactics and legislative maneuvering that became a cornerstone of Senate operations.
- **Nevada Politics**: Advocated for Nevada’s interests, including economic development and infrastructure projects, while maintaining a strong regional political presence.
- **Advocacy Roles**: Championed causes such as education reform, healthcare expansion, and environmental protection through Senate committee leadership.

## FAQs
**What was Harry Reid’s political role?**
Harry Reid served as the U.S. Senator from Nevada from 1987 to 2017 and was the Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015, making him the longest-serving Senate Majority Leader in history.

**Where did Harry Reid go to school?**
Reid earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southern Utah University, a Juris Doctor from George Washington University, and a Master of Laws from the University of Nevada, Reno.

**What major bills did Harry Reid support?**
Reid played a key role in passing the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) and the Affordable Care Act (2010), among other legislative priorities.

**What was the "Reid Strategy"?**
The "Reid Strategy" was a Democratic Party approach to Senate filibuster tactics and legislative maneuvering, developed by Reid to maximize party influence in the Senate.

## Why They Matter
Harry Reid’s influence on U.S. Senate politics was profound. His leadership as Majority Leader reshaped the Democratic Party’s legislative strategy, and his advocacy for key bills like the Affordable Care Act had lasting impacts on American policy. As a long-serving Senator from Nevada, he represented the state’s interests while shaping national debates on education, healthcare, and environmental issues. His legacy endures in the enduring influence of his Senate tactics and legislative achievements.

## Notable For
- Longest-serving Senate Majority Leader (2007–2015)
- Key architect of the "Reid Strategy" in Senate filibuster tactics
- Champion of the Affordable Care Act and No Child Left Behind Act
- Recipient of the Distinguished Nevadan award for contributions to Nevada
- Founding member of the Senate Democratic Leadership Group

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Harry Mason Reid Jr. was born on December 2, 1939, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He attended Southern Utah University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1961. Reid later pursued legal education at George Washington University (J.D., 1964) and the University of Nevada, Reno (M.L.A., 1967), establishing a foundation in law and public policy.

### Political Career
Reid began his political career in Nevada, serving in the Nevada Assembly and Senate before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1987. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Senate Majority Leader in 2007, a position he held until 2015. His tenure as Majority Leader made him the longest-serving in history, during which he developed the "Reid Strategy" to maximize Democratic influence in the Senate.

### Legislative Achievements
Reid played a pivotal role in passing major legislation, including the No Child Left Behind Act (2001), which overhauled federal education policy, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010), which expanded healthcare access. His advocacy for education reform and healthcare expansion left a lasting impact on American policy.

### Advocacy and Influence
Beyond legislative achievements, Reid was a vocal advocate for Nevada’s interests, including economic development and infrastructure projects. He served on key Senate committees, including the Judiciary, Commerce, Science, and Transportation committees, shaping national debates on education, healthcare, and environmental issues.

### Awards and Recognition
Reid received numerous honors, including the Distinguished Nevadan award from the Nevada System of Higher Education for his contributions to Nevada’s cultural and economic advancement. His legacy is celebrated in political leadership and legislative innovation.

### Legacy
Harry Reid’s influence extended beyond his time in office. His Senate tactics and legislative achievements continue to shape U.S. politics, and his advocacy for key policy areas remains relevant. As a long-serving Senator and Majority Leader, Reid left an indelible mark on American governance.

## References

1. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
2. [Harry M. Reid, a Power in the Senate, Dies at 82. The New York Times. 2021](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/28/obituaries/harry-reid-dead.html)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Division/Research/Publications/NVLegislators/NVLegislators.pdf)
5. [Source](https://www.congress.gov/member/harry-reid/R000146)
6. Find a Grave
7. [Source](https://github.com/unitedstates/congress-legislators)
8. [Source](https://nshe.nevada.edu/leadership-policy/board-of-regents/distinguished-nevadans/)
9. [Harry Reid, a longtime U.S. senator from Nevada and former Democratic leader, dies at 82](https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/28/politics/harry-reid-dies/index.html)
10. SNAC
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. GeneaStar
13. Munzinger Personen
14. [Source](https://lasvegassun.com/news/2021/dec/28/nevada-political-giant-former-us-sen-harry-reid-di/)
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. Harry M. Reid, a Power in the Senate, Dies at 82. The New York Times. 2021
17. BBC Things
18. Library of Congress Control Number
19. YouTube API
20. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/harry-reid-107a4VRz4k/appearances)
21. The Movie Database