WASHINGTON—Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, a long-time credit union supporter, announced Friday he will not seek re-election to a sixth term.
Reid (D-NV), who has led his party since 2005, told the New York Times that he wants to go out “at the top of my game. I don’t want to become a 42-year old trying to be a designated hitter.”
The 75-year-old Reid added that the work he has done for the people of Nevada has been just as fulfilling as if he “played centerfield in Yankee Stadium.”
Reid, who suffered an eye injury and broken bones in a New Year's Day workout accident, added that, "I have had time to ponder and to think. We've got to be more concerned about the country, the Senate, the state of Nevada than ourselves. And as a result of that I'm not going to run for re-election."
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin and New York Sen. Charles Schumer will likely vie to lead the Democratic party.
The former Senate Majority Leader will be missed by credit unions, and CU trade associations.
“Over the years, we have appreciated Sen. Reid’s support of credit unions and his openness to listen to Nevada credit unions,” said NAFCU Vice President of Legislative Affairs Brad Thaler. “We look forward to working with him for the remainder of the 114th Congress and wish him well in his retirement. “
“Senator Reid has a long history of credit union support throughout his career. On behalf of more than 102 million credit union members, I thank him for his leadership over the years and wish him all the best,” said CUNA President and CEO Jim Nussle in a statement.
Since 2000, CUNA’s PAC has provided nearly $75,000 in financial support to Reid, including $28,266 in contributions to Friends for Harry Reid, and $46,000 to his leadership PAC, Searchlight Fund.