Harry Reid through the years

1939: Born Dec. 2 in Searchlight. 1957: Graduates from Basic High School in Henderson, where he met teacher, mentor and future Gov. Mike O’Callaghan, an influential force in Reid’s political development.

1959: Marries Landra Gould, goes on to father five children.

1961: Graduates from Utah State University. Begins law school at George Washington University while working as a U.S. Capitol police officer. 1964: Graduates from George Washington University School of Law; hired as Henderson city attorney.

1968: Elected to the Nevada Assembly. 1970: Elected Nevada lieutenant governor, defeating Republican Bob Broadbent.

1974: Loses U.S. Senate race to Republican Paul Laxalt by 611 votes. 1975: Loses Las Vegas mayoral race to Bill Briare.

1977: Appointed chairman, Nevada Gaming Commission; presides during tumultuous cleanup of casinos from organized crime influence.

1978: Takes part in an FBI sting that videotapes entertainment manager Jack Gordon offering Reid a $12,000 bribe. An angry Reid attempts to choke Gordon.

February 1980: In midst of casino cleanup battles, Gaming Control Board clears Reid of allegations of criminal ties. Reid calls entire period “the worst time in my family’s life.”

1981: Escapes injury when bomb is detected in family station wagon.

1982: Wins election to U.S. House, defeating Republican Peggy Cavnar.

1986: Wins election to U.S. Senate, defeating former Rep. James Santini. 1987: Begins service in U.S. Senate.

Nov. 4, 1987: Takes part in nine-hour Senate filibuster over Yucca Mountain; slows but does not kill bill.

1992: Re-elected to Senate, beating rancher Demar Dahl.

1998: Re-elected to Senate by 428 votes, beating Republican Rep. John Ensign.

1999: Serves as Senate Democratic whip, effectively the assistant Democratic leader, through 2005.

2004: Re-elected to Senate over real estate investor Richard Ziser.

2005: Elected Senate minority leader following defeat of party leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D. 2007: Elected Senate majority leader, begins four terms as leader. 2008: Supports Barack Obama for president, a partnership that leads to the cancellation of the Yucca Mountain project and positions Reid to advance Obama’s priorities in Congress. Dec. 24, 2009: Completes Senate action on Affordable Care Act, a signature achievement of the Obama administration. 2010: Re-elected to Senate over former Assemblywoman and tea party conservative Sharron Angle. Summer 2014: Sells home in Searchlight, moves to Henderson. Jan. 1, 2015: Injured in exercise accident at Henderson home. 2015: Elected Senate minority leader after Democrats’ loss of control. March 27, 2015: Announces he will retire from the Senate when term expires. Jan. 3, 2017: Last day in the Senate.

RUSSELL YIP/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL Harry Reid, right, and Rep. James Santini on Oct. 29, 1986.

Harry Reid during mayoral run in 1975.

GARY THOMPSON/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL Harry Reid on May 5, 1982.

A still image taken from a video U.S. Sen. Harry Reid posted to his website March 27, 2015, announcing he will not seek re-election.

Harry Reid, right, after announcing his victory on Nov. 7, 1986.

GABRIEL UTASI/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL